As someone who spent a significant number of their formative years in the mid 2000’s, I’ve been waiting for emo to make a good comeback. And while there have been a few bands here and there to scratch that itch, none have quite capitalized on the poppy, energetic vein that was tapped by groups like Jimmy Eat World, none that is until Oso Oso.

Oso Oso is an emo/power pop group that embraces the traditional appeals of emo songwriting, meaning that relationships, death and tragedy are common lyrical themes, but the manner in which those themes are touched upon is often upbeat and forward looking instead of dwelling on the negative for too long. 

This refreshing approach makes it far more akin to pop-punk groups of the late ‘90s that appropriated the style and lyrics of emo but pumped it up into a more bombastic style of performance that made it both commercially viable and artistically varied and exciting.

Now that Oso Oso has attempted to do the same, and clearly they’ve succeeded considering the commercial and critical acclaim they’ve received since releasing this record they may have been the first in a massive wave of artists set to bring back these sounds and styles. If that ends up being the case I know a whole generation of folks who are going to be pretty stoked, and I can’t think of a better band to lead the charge.

This April, Oso Oso will be joined by Prince Daddy, The Hyena, Just Friends and Macseal at Chain Reaction, be sure to grab up some tickets to catch the band that is pushing emo forward into a bright new dawn.

Location: Chain Reaction

Address: 1652 Lincoln Ave, Anaheim, CA 92801

Tickets available from $20