Ben Quad
I'm Scared That's All There Is


4.2
excellent

Review

by Atari STAFF
July 17th, 2022 | 32 replies


Release Date: 2022 | Tracklist

Review Summary: If you need me, you can kind find me at the self-checkout

I suppose this recent batch of trimmed down emo albums is alright, especially when we get a charming, filler-free release like I’m Scared That’s All There Is. Ben Quad’s debut is a potent blast of epic, math-rock proportions that takes notes from some of the genre’s most convincing moments. However, I reserve my right to spend the rest of this small-scale review talking about just how fucking big “Joan of Hill” is. Flaunting a more cathartic and varied sound than the already excellent preceding tracks, the stellar closer is proof the band have an emo classic in their future. The floating verses lead into the roughest vocal delivery on the album, amping things up just when it counts. For its final two-minute stretch, the track morphs into a light, American Football-esque twinkle – fizzling out with a certain warmth and ease that invites vast reflection. Admittedly, I wouldn’t have complained if the vocalist closed with unrestrained angst and more emphasis on his “bad dreams”, but deep down I know it would get old fast. Instead, I’ve listened to “Joan of Hill” religiously since the album dropped; its overwhelming highs and lows continue to rattle my emotions in an oddly addicting way. Of course, the members of Ben Quad couldn’t help but throw in some gentle, collective “whoah-oh’s” just to complicate things; just to keep my sadboi side from geeking out completely. I can’t get enough of this stuff. I'm Scared That's All There Is makes for a whacky good time, but it's also surprisingly complex – even brilliant – when it needs to be. Ben Quad are the next great emo band. Go on, give them a jam. If you don’t find yourself playing air guitar or shouting along carelessly, I’ll be temped to call you Eeyore.



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Comments:Add a Comment 
Atari
Staff Reviewer
July 17th 2022


28009 Comments

Album Rating: 4.2

just a short one since I've been loving this and it deserves more than 3 ratings smh



felt like putting the emphasis on Joan of Hill as I think it's one of the best tracks of the year but the other tracks are great too. no filler here :]

Digging: Ceres - Magic Mountain (1996?2022)

Sunnyvale
Staff Reviewer
July 17th 2022


6175 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

This sounds tight, will check! Good stuff, Atari.

SlothcoreSam
July 18th 2022


6416 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

It's a great album, confirmed. Joan of Hill is up there for song of the year.

Get on it.

Digging: Floral Tattoo - The Circus Egotistica; or, How I Spent Most of my

Ebola
July 18th 2022


4574 Comments


gotta check, chillwavve always brings the goods

Atari
Staff Reviewer
July 18th 2022


28009 Comments

Album Rating: 4.2

Cheers Sunny, hope you dig my man!



@Sloth, glad you agree about Joan of Hill.. thx again for getting this album on my radar :]



@Ebola, I dig this and Cliffdiver but checked the label's site and not really familiar with the rest. who are your favorites?

Sowing
Moderator
July 18th 2022


44509 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Highly rated Atari punk/emo = instant listen for me.



Nice review.

Digging: Halsey - The Great Impersonator

MCJACKDAHL
July 18th 2022


358 Comments

Album Rating: 2.5

this band looks exactly how i expected they would.

MCJACKDAHL
July 18th 2022


358 Comments

Album Rating: 2.5

pretty solid stuff

henryChinaski
July 18th 2022


5094 Comments


listening now, first track already rules. Loving the artwork too

Shiranui
July 18th 2022


1077 Comments


Whoa, album closer is so sweet.

zaruyache
July 19th 2022


27750 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

i like twinkly math rock so def checking this properly.

Atari
Staff Reviewer
July 19th 2022


28009 Comments

Album Rating: 4.2

much love Sowing I could definitely see you digging this. the bookends are insanely good as some are pointing out already. definitely report back with your thoughts



some great vibes in this thread so far! gonna enjoy the 4.3 average while it lasts



AffableMartyr
July 19th 2022


851 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

King of the Hill Easter Egg lol

Eons
July 19th 2022


3770 Comments


is this band really emo and cock rock like the page says? interesting combo if so, but the premise sounds terrible. hopefully it's good.

Calc
July 19th 2022


17459 Comments


this is pretty great. nice find man

SlothcoreSam
July 19th 2022


6416 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

@Eons, that's their bandcamp biography.

TheTripP
July 19th 2022


4670 Comments


on my list, nice review!

Digging: Acrid Tomb / Tomb of Annihilation - Hermetic Invocations (Split)

Sunnyvale
Staff Reviewer
July 19th 2022


6175 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Best new music, boys and girls

Atari
Staff Reviewer
July 19th 2022


28009 Comments

Album Rating: 4.2

hell yeah! had a feeling barely anyone was going to check this out, especially after posting this even a week later than I wanted to



@Eons, yeah there's definitely not any butt rock to be found here lol



glad you're digging Calc and Sunny!! and cheers AaroN911



"King of the Hill Easter Egg"



must have missed this, haha

Purpl3Spartan
July 21st 2022


8992 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Oh wow this owns

Digging: Tenue - Arcos, b??vedas, p??rticos



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