Scenic

With breezy emo-flecked power pop balancing Jimmy Eat World's fiery hooks with harmonies straight out of the Beach Boys (as funneled through the Thrills), Philly's the Scenic were a perfect match for both the late-‘00s Victory Records scene and the Vans Warped Tour. And, indeed, the quintet fronted by ex-Rory lead singer Jeremy Menard, earned its first glimpses on the fabled punk tour (they also opened for Saves the Day the same year) before releasing its 2008 debut on the onetime hardcore label. Find Yourself Here contained a hearty helping of the five-piece's delicate balance of upbeat rock riffs and melancholy lyrics. A return stint on the 2009 edition of the Warped Tour further upped the Scenic's profile. ~ Jason Thurston