Even the Tin Men of the hardcore scene used to wish they had a heart. Nowadays, though, the Wizard has granted them the niche sound of emo-core, a loosely defined group of bands that many believe have been undeservedly ignored. What is emo-core, you ask? Well, it's basically a lot like hardcore 'cept that the sound is a little mellower, the themes are more focused on loss than pure anger, and they have a new compilation on Deep Elm: What's Mine is Yours, The Emo Diaries.

What's Mine is Yours has flow. Flow is that evasive quality that most comps lack -- a strong overall consistency that supercedes the tendency to say: "well, tracks one, four and seven rule, and six and three are ok, but two, five and eight suck, man." Its 12 tracks include strong appearances by Samiam, Jejune, Triplefastaction and Red Level to name a few. It's music that still possesses a rawness that flaunts the battle scars of touring proudly. A good intro to the genre and a must- have for the fan.

-James P. Wisdom