Mest

You know what’s messed up? Well, actually, a lot of things. But you know what ain’t? Mest. Named by guitarist Tony Lovato when, in a much-inebriated state, he misread the label on a case of Milwaukee’s Best beer, the South Chicago-born punk rockers signed to Maverick four albums ago and have churned out ever-improving emo ever since, under the tutelage of producer John Feldmann (the Used, Story of the Year). This time around (on Photographs), Mest manages some serious lyrical strides, exploring relationship dramas, nightmares and failed suicide attempts. Its live show isn’t to be underestimated, either. Lovato spent last summer on the Warped Tour, performing despite crippling back pain following surgery. He survived only with the help of pills and booze. These guys just won’t quit, and sooner or later, everyone else is going to figure that out.