ESSO BRINGS EMO ENERGY BACK WITH JUST LIKE IN THE MOVIES
There’s something instantly familiar about Esso’s Just Like In The Movies. It’s got the spark of early 2000s emo, the charm of pop rock’s golden days, and the energy of a band that clearly loves what they do. The record feels like a cinematic rush; one part heartbreak, one part joy, and all heart.
Each track unfolds like a scene from a story about chasing dreams, losing love, and finding your way back again. It’s a record built on feeling; loud, catchy, and unfiltered. From start to finish, Just Like In The Movies captures that perfect mix of nostalgia and new life that makes you want to play it again the moment it ends. Let’s dig in:
“Break Me” kicks off Just Like In The Movies with pure adrenaline. The drums hit first, booming and full, before a slick, infectious synth slides in and locks with layers of guitars and bass. The result is a wall of energy that hits hard and continues to build. The instrumentals have this perfect fuzzed-out warmth that makes the whole thing feel alive and electric. Sonically, it lands somewhere between The Rasmus, Muse, and The Darkness; all swagger, melody, and drive. It’s big, it’s bold, and it’s built to move you. If you’re looking for a track to jumpstart your day, your workout, or shake the walls a little, “Break Me” is the one to throw on.
“I’m Your Destiny” shifts gears from the opener, leaning into a more emotional, melodic side of the rock spectrum. There’s a distinct early-2000s vibe here; the kind of song that feels ripped straight from a coming-of-age movie soundtrack. The vocals carry a tone so reminiscent of Rivers Cuomo from Weezer that you might do a double take, while the guitars stay fuzzy and full, driving the song forward with punch and purpose. It’s a high-energy track that feels both nostalgic and fresh, packed with hooks and heart. Fans of Fountains of Wayne will eat this one up, and anyone longing for that golden era of emo-tinged rock will find themselves hitting repeat without hesitation.
“Enough” lands as the third track on the LP and takes things down just a notch. Not to slow the energy, but to let it breathe. It opens with a catchy acoustic guitar line that quickly blooms into bright electric tones, instantly catching your attention. The mix here is dialed in perfectly; everything feels tight, polished, and meticulously crafted. This track serves as a breather after the first two songs, yet it still embodies all the signature Esso charm — melody, emotion, and a touch of nostalgia. Lyrically, it’s all heart. Esso sings about a girl in a way that makes you wish you were back at Warped Tour, wrapped up in the music and someone’s arms, shouting every word together. “Enough” is a sing-along in the best way; catchy, sentimental, and full of feeling. Nicely done, Esso.
“Get To LA” has everything you’d want from an early 2000s emo-pop punk anthem. Honestly, it sounds like Esso hopped in a time machine, grabbed the best parts of that era, and brought them back fresh. The song captures that classic feeling of chasing dreams from the East Coast to Los Angeles — wide-eyed ambition mixed with heartbreak and hope. A girl is waiting (or maybe not), and that uncertainty gives the track its emotional punch. It ties perfectly into the album’s cinematic concept, where each song feels like a scene from a bigger story. The production is tight, the energy’s infectious, and yes — there’s even a violin cameo straight out of the Yellowcard playbook. “Get To LA” nails the nostalgia while keeping things modern, proving Esso knows precisely how to make the past feel alive again.
“Go On” is another standout that feels ripped straight from your early 2000s emo playlist. It’s a love song through and through; catchy, heartfelt, and full of charm. The guitars shimmer, the drums pop, and the whole thing just feels good. It’s simple, sweet, and hard not to love.
“Leading Man Syndrome” bursts with emo funk and pure energy from the start. It’s the kind of track that demands movement; wild, confident, and full of attitude. Picture Andrew WK crashing a Motion City Soundtrack party and you’ll get the vibe. The rhythm bounces, the guitars shimmer, and the whole thing feels like a celebration about to spin out of control in the best way possible. The vocals are clean and playful, blending seamlessly with instrumentation that’s tight, bright, and downright infectious. It’s fun, it’s loud, and it leaves you wanting more. “Leading Man Syndrome” shows Esso at their most carefree and creative, and it absolutely rips. Oh, and f**k Brad!
“This Is What We Do” lands as the seventh track on the album and feels like a love letter to the band itself, and everyone who’s ever been part of the ride. It’s all about the joy of making music, from sweaty club shows to long nights in the studio, and even gives a nod to the fans who make it all worth it. It’s lighthearted, catchy, and full of personality, the kind of track that makes you smile without even realizing it. Playful and self-aware, “This Is What We Do” captures everything that makes Esso so easy to root for: heart, humor, and a whole lot of charm.
“Dark Addiction” is another infectious standout that proves just how skilled Esso is at crafting a killer pop-punk tune. It’s got all the right ingredients — driving guitars, relentless drums, and a punchy energy that keeps everything moving. The addition of a slick synth layer gives the track a cool twist, adding just the right amount of texture without losing that classic, raw feel. Lyrically, it’s Esso doing what he does best: diving headfirst into the chaos of love and obsession, maybe even revisiting the same muse who’s haunted the rest of the album. It’s playful, self-aware, and full of heart.
“Kiss of Death” comes swinging right out of the gate with a ripping guitar line and a pounding drum groove that tells you immediately this one goes hard. It is sharp, punchy, and way more aggressive in tone, but still loose enough to feel wild and alive; that signature Esso energy never leaves the room. The mix hits perfectly, especially the guitars, which slice through with grit and attitude. And just when you think the song has shown all its cards, in come the strings — orchestral, dramatic, and honestly kind of epic. They lift the whole thing into this cinematic moment that feels huge. If you are heated at your significant other, throw this track on and let it rip.
“Can’t Believe” closes the album on a beautiful and emotional note. It opens with a calm acoustic guitar and Esso’s voice, intimate and sincere, singing — as expected — about a girl. The strings that join in are absolutely stunning, giving the song a cinematic lift without losing its simplicity. It feels tender and heartfelt, a fitting way to wind things down after the energy that came before. But just when you think the track will stay mellow, the halfway point hits — and everything explodes. The guitars, bass, and drums crash back in full force, carrying the album to its final, euphoric moment. It’s like Esso refuses to fade quietly, choosing instead to end on a triumphant, emotional high. And that guitar solo at the end? Totally earned. It’s the perfect closing statement for a record that balances energy, heart, and honesty from start to finish.
Just Like In The Movies feels like the kind of record that reminds you why you fell in love with music in the first place. It’s fun, it’s emotional, and it doesn’t try to be anything other than what it is; honest, catchy, and bursting with heart. Every track feels like a scene in the story of a band that knows exactly who they are and what they want to say.
Esso blends nostalgia and freshness in a way that hits just right. You can hear echoes of the past — those early 2000s hooks and that raw, youthful spirit — but it never feels stuck there. The songwriting is tight, the production is clean, and the emotion is real. From the thunderous opening of “Break Me” to the cinematic sweep of “Can’t Believe,” this album captures that perfect balance between chaos and vulnerability. It’s the soundtrack to late-night drives, heartbreaks that still sting a little, and moments that make you feel alive again.