Who said post-hardcore was dead? Ayreshire lads release their latest single Back To Me and keen to make their mark in the scene.
Back to Me is the perfect blend of post-hardcore, metalcore, and pop-punk that the band are clearly leaning into. It features a solid vocal from Dennis, guitar hooks that are downright sing-worthy from Will and Jamie, and Michael — the powerhouse behind the kit — driving it all forward.
The song kicks off with an electronic, dance-like backing track before the drums and guitars hit hard, instantly making your head nod in approval. Swiftly after, vocalist Dennis’s powerful voice comes front and centre — almost hitting you square in the face — demanding your full attention.
“My mind is lost, trying to escape this hell I’m in. Going in circles again, circles again.”
It’s not entirely clear who the song is aimed at or what it’s about, but it delves into themes of loss and grief (presumably from a relationship) — something many listeners will connect with. Hopes Avenue bring back echoes of those early 2000s bands that had every ‘emo’ kid hooked; heavy enough to sing and scream along to, while packing emotional lyrical hooks to tug at the heartstrings — and some tasty breakdowns worth shouting about.
And that breakdown? HUGE. The middle eight is easily my favourite part. The drums build up, then that scream hits — hot damn. It took me right back to being fifteen, hearing We Are The Ocean’s Cutting Our Teeth for the first time — when someone else’s songs suddenly summed up everything you were feeling, all within an hour of music.
This is the kind of track that belongs on Kerrang! or Scuzz, and with pop-punk and metalcore on the rise again, there’s definitely space in the scene for Scottish band Hopes Avenue. I love what they’re cooking up and can’t wait to hear what’s next — fingers crossed for a live show in 2026!
