Greg

Fuck yeah….seriously. THIS EP is everything Jersey pop punk represents. American Beauty feels like they’re going to be the next major contender on the scene and this whole album feels like it was written for a Jersey kid’s ear. Jersey aside...as a whole it’s an extremely accessible introduction to American Beauty. Released back in January, this is definitely one of those projects that got swept into the tornado that is 2020 and it feels appropriate to give this 4-song banger its proper recognition. Some specific highlights for me were on Route 9 (an absolute Garden State Parkway anthem) and the mathematical lead guitars on Soy Boy.

Dillon

Within the first minute of “Carolina” the opening track on American Beauty’s self-titled EP you get the sense that Midwest Emo spends its summers in Asbury Park. While this band didn’t invent the driving twinkly guitar work backing shouted depressed lyrics type-thing, they deliver it with a passion and energy that makes you think they would have, if it didn’t already exist. The entire album builds into an impressively cohesive, if short experience. This band shows a ton of promise and I get the distinct sense that they won’t have much trouble getting out of NJ (once live shows are a thing again). 

Sean

Through their four track self titled release “American Beauty” delivers pure math-y emo bliss. They don’t reinvnet the wheel but they do spin the heck out of it very well. In terms of new sounds the addition of heavy reverb on the lead adds a dimension not often seen in this genre. Stand out on this release has to be the drums. Between the thundering of the bass drum, and endless sizzle of cymbals there is plenty to thrash your head along with.