Harrison Gordon release BLISS, their first album for Hopeless Records
The Illinois emo band's label debut was produced by Tyler Floyd, and the group is already on the road supporting it.
Illinois emo band Harrison Gordon have released BLISS, their debut for Hopeless Records. The album arrives while the group is out on tour supporting it, and stands as their most confident statement since 2023's The Yuppies Are Winning.
The band began as a solo project from singer, songwriter and namesake Harrison Gordon, who soon locked in a permanent lineup with drummer Jagger Pryor, lead guitarist Jake Denny and bassist Michael Orpen. Tyler Floyd, known for his work with Hot Mulligan and Free Throw, produced the record with a focus on capturing the band's live-feeling performances.
Musically, BLISS sits near the punk-leaning emo of PUP and Spanish Love Songs while leaning on Pinkerton-era Weezer riffs, heard clearly on the single "Like Me Less." Opener "Weirdo" starts from a minimalist guitar figure before the full band kicks in, while "Milwaukee Josh" brings humor to the lyrics over a steady rhythm section and "Not Working! Not Working!" rides its riffs to the finish.
"Pretty" nods to Weezer and Pixies with its solos, and "Scab" serves as the album's rare ballad before a guitar solo pushes the record into its back half. "Sight Of Blood" leans on bass riffs and fast drumming, while "Middle Name" is a barely one-minute punk burst built for pits. "Oh God" features the album's only guest, Excuse Me Who Are You?, adding screams and harmonies.
The six-minute title track closes the set, opening with Deftones-styled riffing before an unexpected tempo shift changes its direction. With the tour underway, the Hopeless debut positions the band for a wider audience.
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