If you listen to rock music of any kind, there’s a high probability that you know one of the many legendary artists on the Fearless Records roster. Did you know that the iconic record label is turning 30 years old this year?! Over the past three decades, Fearless Records has been home to some of our favorite artists here at idobi Radio including I Prevail, Ice Nine Kills, Pierce The Veil, Chase Atlantic, Movements, and more.
To celebrate the label’s big anniversary, we’re spotlighting the latter artist on this list—Movements—and the tracks that put them on the map as a beloved band in our scene. The Southern California quartet, comprised of Patrick Miranda (vocals), Ira George (guitar), Spencer York (drums), and Austin Cressey (bass), have no boundaries in genre or musicianship and have gone on to define an era of alt-emo music forever. Whether they’ve made you smile, laugh, cry, reminisce, or all of the above—these monumental throwback songs that built the band’s career are guaranteed to put you in your feels.
“Kept”
This song from their debut EP Outgrown Things became a clear fan-favorite on the release with millions of streams and a permanent spot on their concert setlists. According to several X (formerly Twitter) Q&As, it is vocalist Patrick Miranda’s favorite track on the EP. Mental health is a common theme across Movements‘ discography and these self-deprecating, soul-baring lyrics set the precedent. Meanwhile, for many fans, it remains their first impression of the band’s OG era in 2016.
“Nineteen”
Outgrown Things had not one, but two, hit singles featured on the EP tracklist. As soon as the first riff starts, it is instantly recognizable to any loyal Movements fan. It’s a pinnacle example of the heartbreaking vulnerability and courage in their lyrical storytelling that is consistently synonymous with the band, as Patrick details the tumultuous relationship with his family. Movements‘ brutally honest lyrics, such as the ones displayed here, are the gateway to building wholehearted connections with their fans time and time again.
“Daylily”
This list would not be complete without the band’s most popular single, “Daylily,” from their first full-length album Feel Something. This song defined a generation. It is a frequent tear-jerker and an emo comfort song that has withstood the test of time. Even upon the first listen, it invokes a sense of nostalgia and reflection that makes our hearts flutter and hits just right. If you ever wondered about the origins of the term “pink cloud summer,” this is it. This song put them on the map for many devoted listeners and solidified their legacy in the scene.
“Full Circle”
This track picks up the pace on Feel Something compared to the somber nature of “Daylily.” The current top comment on the music video says, “This was actually the first song that I’ve heard from them, then I ended up falling in love with the whole album.” It’s a testament to the power of “Full Circle” as a gateway track for new fans. As the first track on the album, it catches our attention at the start and hooks us in for the sonic journey ahead.
“Skin To Skin”
The final track on this list is from the band’s 2020 full-length album No Good Left To Give. The beauty of Movements is that each album expands their musical repertoire and showcases new sides of their sound. Beyond the attention-grabbing musicianship, “Skin To Skin” is a mature step up from their earlier releases in terms of lyrical content, as it deviates from the confessional lyrical style and explores more sensual territory.
As we walk down memory lane and reminisce on the band’s earliest work, it’s also a great time to look at the present. In 2023, Movements released RUCKUS! via Fearless Records, which proved to be an ambitious departure from the sound we previously knew from the band. They continue to transcend genre, bare their souls in their lyrics, and take us on one-of-a-kind emotional journeys that leave us feeling more vulnerable and understood than before. As they stake their claim as an indispensable band on the label’s roster, we continue to grow, feel, love, and cry alongside them too.
