Our trials and tribulations toughen us up and, ultimately, inform who we become. Emery proudly wear the wisdom from those scars in their songs. The Seattle band—Toby Morrell [vocals, guitar], Devin Shelton [vocals, bass], Josh Head [vocals, keys, synths], Matt Carter [guitar], Dave Powell [drums], Chris Keene [guitar] —teeter on an axis of unpredictably heavy soundscapes, off-kilter grooves, searing melodies, and fits of harmony. Now, the group open up and bleed like never before on their eighth full-length offering, Rub Some Dirt On It [Tooth & Nail]. “The album is based on personal and difficult real-life situations,” reveals Devin. “We wanted to focus on moments that were hard to navigate, but ultimately character-building experiences in our lives. When we would fall, scrape our knees, or get some other fairly insignificant injury, our dads would always say, ‘Rub some dirt on it’. In other words, you’re tougher than you think. Instead of crying or dwelling on it, get up and keep going. Don’t let the pain define you. Instead, learn from it and become better.”