Band: Emblematics
Album: Removal
Release Date: October 4, 2024
Genre: Indie Rock
Calgary-based indie rock band, Emblematics has unveiled their highly anticipated new album, Removal. The album features previously shared singles “Perception” and “Separation on the Surface”.
On Removal, Emblematics continues the evolution of their sound with their infectious British-influenced signature art rock sound featuring atmospheric melodies and intricate vocal harmonies. Thematically, the album touches on cultural heritage, identity, and the complexities of human connection as frontman and principal songwriter Michael Yun, a second-generation Korean Canadian, grapples with reconciling his ancestral roots with his upbringing in Canada, and the cultural loss that emerges from it.
The previous single, “Perception,” is a reflective and atmospheric track that explores themes of time, memory, and loss. With vivid imagery like “white walls” and a “broken flight of stairs,” it captures a sense of emptiness and disconnection. The final lines remind us of the fleeting nature of the past, making it a relatable reflection on the fragility of memory.
“Eventuality” tackles regret and missed opportunities, with lyrics like “The last words said were of the regretful kind” setting a somber tone. The song digs into the difficulty of moving on from past mistakes, offering an emotionally honest take on the passage of time.
“Separation On The Surface” perfectly captures the bittersweetness of letting go. Its moody indie rock vibe and introspective lyrics explore distance and isolation, with lines like “It’s time to say goodbye” and “It comes eventually, a sad farewell” driving home a sense of finality. The repeated question, “Where are you really from?” adds a personal, introspective layer, making the song even more poignant.
Overall, Removal is an emotionally charged and reflective album, ideal for fans of moody indie rock who crave depth and introspection.
Upcoming Shows:
Oct 17 – Monarch – Toronto, ON
Oct 18 – Avant-Garde – Ottawa, ON
Oct 19 – Barfly – Montreal, QC Nov 10 – KW Studios – Vancouver, BC
Nov 23 – Blakbar – Edmonton, AB