Unturned

Unturned sounds like the exact midpoint between a polished pop-punk hook and the frantic, technical guitar work of the Midwest emo revival. Their music is defined by a restless kinetic energy, where bright, interlocking guitar melodies frequently collide with a gritty, slightly nasal vocal delivery that feels both urgent and deeply personal. It is the sound of a band that grew up in the Minneapolis underground, carrying the DNA of basement shows and DIY ethics into more expansive, studio-ready arrangements.

What sets them apart is their ability to balance the 'twinkly' technicality of math-rock influenced emo with the straightforward, punchy aggression of 2010s pop-punk. While many bands choose one side of that fence, Unturned lives right on the wire, using complex rhythmic shifts to keep the listener off-balance before dropping into a massive, cathartic chorus. The lyrics are unfiltered and conversational, often feeling like a direct transcript of a late-night realization.

Start with the EP 'Sunk' to hear them at their most focused and hard-hitting. It captures the transition from their raw basement beginnings into a more mature, textured sound. If you prefer something with a bit more indie-rock sheen and experimental structure, 'Dreams of Being on Television' showcases their growth into a more atmospheric and varied outfit.