Armor for Sleep

It's hard to hate on New Jersey emo sensations Armor For Sleep, even if the band's latest single calls this writer's own personal neighborhood "the blueprint for Hell." But with its driving guitars, explosive chorus and frontman Ben Jorgensen impassioned vocals, the aforementioned tune ("Williamsburg") is an emo masterpiece that could fill an arena or a dirty rock club. Come to think of it, apply that statement to Armor for Sleep's entire major-label debut Smile For Them, which is a huge progression from the band's previous two rough-around-the-edges albums for Equal Vision. White-belt-wearing hipsters beware: Armor For Sleep is gunning for you — and if Smile For Them is any indication, it'll have the last laugh.