The Yuppies Are Winning

Welcome back to Finetuned! Keeping things light (no I’m not) with our rec this week. This fine Wednesday is all about some of those midwest emo vibes. This week is all about Harrison Gordon! Let’s jam some emo (not that emo 😅) tunes.

Who Are Harrison Gordon?

Harrison Gordon is a four-piece band from Normal, Illinois, known for their quite energetic performances (as well as their contributions to the Midwest emo scene). Fronted by lead vox and rhythm guitar, Harrison Gordon, the band has deep roots in the Bloomington-Normal area. Harrison first gained some notereity as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for Chuck’s Papas (who are also super awesome), an Illinois State University-based band that built a strong following playing house shows and local venues like the Coffeehouse and Meltdown Creative Works.

In 2024, Harrison Gordon released the album The Yuppies Are Winning (our rec today), followed by the standalone single "Plastic Smile" later that year. They have toured A LOT, sharing stages with bands like TRSH (listen to their track Dad Rock). Their live shows are highly regarded, featuring a super dynamic setlist that includes songs such as "BLEACH," "Things Will Get Worse," and "The Next Great American Spirit Strikes Back!" ​

As of 2025, Harrison Gordon is on tour with Free Throw and Ben Quad, with upcoming dates across cities in the US. Go see them if you can, lads!

What To Expect Sonically

Harrison Gordon’s music is very obviously Midwest emo; it can be noticed right from the start, lol. They are also “on” the alternative rock spectrum, often blending elements of emo revival, math rock, indie rock, and punk. To get specific, as you can guess I’ll do:

• Twinkly guitar riffs – Intricate, melodic guitar lines that are reminiscent of classic Midwest emo bands.

• Emotional, raw vocals – Sometimes shouted (we love vocal frys babbbaayy), sometimes softly sung, often filled with sincerity and angst. It is emo after all!

• Dynamic shifts – Songs that transition between soft, introspective verses and explosive, high-energy choruses.

• Storytelling lyrics – Often introspective, dealing with themes like nostalgia, personal struggles, and growing up in suburban America.

To give you some similar bands to these dudes, check out groups like Free Throw, Mom Jeans, Pince Daddy & The Hyena, Oso Oso, and even Jeff Rosenstock. I digress - let’s get to the rec!

Excedrin For The Tears

This album deserves some serious praise! Based on what you say? For its authentic portrayal of modern challenges, with some fans (me) noting its role as a "coping/comfort album" similar to Alkaline Trio’s "Goddamnit." The album's sound does have a really solid undertone likened to a fusion of Jeff Rosenstock's style with emo influences. There are a ton of lyrics presented throughout this record that I relate quite heavily to.

Thanks for reading here, Finetuners! I do hope you all have enjoyed this week’s Finetuned. I’d appreciate any insights, admiration, or otherwise. You can reply to the newsletter directly or DM me on Twitter. (or email me here: [email protected])

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See you all in the next one! 🙌