Take it from the dudes in Balboa and Towers, who know how to build an atmosphere: If you want to write a near-perfect epic screamo song, look to the opener on Elder's self-titled 10" EP, "Town of Clay." Everything you want in soft-hard/quiet-loud dynamics, budding guitars, huge, pounding drums and a desperate, pleading screamer atop it all is here.

The rest of Elder's EP isn't quite as overwhelming, but if you're looking for a well-done version of this á la Envy and City of Caterpillar, you've come to the right place. [more]