Sub Pop / USA / RE 2016
In 1997, Sub Pop approached the members of Sunny Day Real Estate to compile a rarities album. However, because there were so few usable tracks, founders Jeremy Enigk and Dan Hoerner decided to write new material instead. What began as a small project quickly evolved into a full-length masterpiece, written in just a matter of days.
How It Feels To Be Something On marked the triumphant return of the Seattle pioneers following their mid-90s breakup. While founding bassist Nate Mendel remained with Foo Fighters, the core of Enigk, Hoerner, and drummer William Goldsmith (joined by bassist Jeff Palmer) crafted a sound that moved beyond the raw angst of their debut, Diary.
The album is a sophisticated blend of atmospheric indie rock and progressive structures. From the iconic, Eastern-influenced riffs of 'Pillars' to the haunting melodies of the title track, the record showcases Enigk’s soaring, angelic vocals at their peak. It is widely considered a seminal work that helped redefine the 'emo' label, pushing it toward a more mature, art-rock territory.