30˚ Everywhere

The Promise Ring opened their debut full-length with “Everywhere in Denver.” It reaches back to Krautrock for the propulsive and hypnotic syncopation of the guitars, but it sounds like it was recorded with a cardigan draped over and muffling the microphones. This was the arty side of ’90s midwestern emo (singer Davey von Bohlen came from Cap’n Jazz) and the warm, inviting hooks and openly queer themes reflected the era’s quiet rebellion against hardcore masculinity and orthodoxy. 30 Degrees Everywhere is a delight, with the chiming harmonics and mechanistic beats of “A Picture Postcard” being a particular standout.