SONG REVIEW: Late 9 - "Thanks To You"
“If you thought you were over your Post-Hardcore phase, Late 9 says think again.”
By Jesse Smith
There was a time when they jeans were self cut at the knee, the hair was swoopy and the genre that is post hardcore was flourishing with new up and coming bands from all over. Since then, that sound that we all loved playing through our skullcandy headphones on the bus rides has simply vanished. The bigger question is can that sound still translate well in 2022, almost a decade later. Late 9’s newest single “Thanks To You” proves that it can not only translate, but can STILL SLAP! Taking influences from the newer bands like Rain City Drive, this track is still full of what was great and lost in the genre. POST HARDCORE IS BACK BABY! Grab your toms and STHEART shirt out of the closet, this is what we’ve been waiting for.
Coming out of the north east, New England’s Late 9 was formed in 2019 by both guitarists Jaie and Dennis. Having a few prior releases, The band has hit their stride with their new track “Thanks To You”. This track feels heavily influenced from the powerhouse post hardcore bands that came before them. The soulful and catchy chorus is what really stands out to me. The vocal patterns and delivery by vocalist Kyle Farrar are simply brilliant. Using the screams as more of an accent when the song calls for the heavier more melodic metalcore sections keeps the songs fresh and as a listener keeps you engaged because they blend so well! As for the instrumentals themselves, the song is crafted beautifully and is focused on being high energy and interesting while still staying in the pocket of what is hot. Late 9 has a fresh approach to the new wave of heavier music.
With the scene shifting, I think Late 9 will be pivotal in what is to come. Bringing back the sound that influenced a culture on a wide scale while making sure that they stand out as their own band rather than a copy is going to take them far. It is familiar yet seems to be the revitalized version, a 2.0 upgrade. This is their best release yet as a band and moving forward will be a band that is going to shock a lot of listeners who are a fan of of post hardcore music.