From The 27th State: A Raw Slice of Late '90s Emo Brilliance
Further Seems Forever’s From The 27th State isn’t just another emo album—it’s a snapshot of youthful energy and raw emotion, wrapped up in a tight 35 minutes. Released in 1999 via Takehold Records, this debut effort is often overshadowed by the band’s later work with Chris Carrabba (yeah, that Chris Carrabba). But don’t sleep on this one; it’s got its own charm, even if it feels like a rough draft at times.
The production, handled by James Wisner, has that gritty, unpolished vibe you’d expect from a late-'90s rock record. It doesn’t try to be perfect—and honestly, that’s part of the appeal. Tracks like “New Year’s Project” and “Tonight, This Three Hour Drive” stick out not because they’re flashy, but because they hit hard emotionally.
Take “New Year’s Project,” for instance. The song kicks off with a driving guitar riff that feels equal parts hopeful and desperate—a hallmark of emo done right. Lyrically, it taps into that universal feeling of wanting to start fresh while wrestling with old baggage. You know, those moments when you swear this year will be different, but deep down, you're not so sure. The vocals are earnest without being over-the-top, which makes it relatable rather than cringey.
Then there’s “Tonight, This Three Hour Drive.” If I had to pick one track that sums up the album's mood, it’d be this one. It’s got this restless energy, like you’re stuck in a car with your thoughts spinning out of control. The interplay between the clean guitars and heavier breakdowns keeps things interesting, and the chorus is just catchy enough to get stuck in your head—but not annoyingly so. There’s something about the way the band captures that sense of urgency, like life is passing you by faster than you can keep up. Relatable? Absolutely.
Other tracks like “Oh Dateless Morn’” and “Justice Prevails” round out the album nicely, though they don’t leave as lasting an impression. Still, they contribute to the overall flow, giving listeners a mix of introspection and intensity. And let’s give credit where it’s due—ordering a checklist before heading to Chicago sounds like solid advice, even if the song itself doesn’t quite live up to its title.
What strikes me most about From The 27th State is how unapologetically human it feels. Sure, it lacks some of the polish we associate with emo classics, but maybe that’s the point. It’s messy, heartfelt, and real—the kind of album you’d stumble upon in someone’s Discman back in the day and immediately feel connected to.
Fun fact: Did you know Further Seems Forever almost didn’t release this album? Rumor has it they were hesitant because they thought no one would care. Lucky for us, they were wrong. So next time you’re scrolling through Spotify looking for something that feels authentic, throw this on. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself reminiscing about road trips you’ve never taken or resolutions you forgot to make.
