Before the word could be thrown around like an insult, the Get Up Kids were emo royalty. Hailing from Missouri, they released a standout of the genre with 1999’s Something to Write Home About. These songs are full of catchy hooks, mid-tempo pop-punk melodies, and earnest, often broken-hearted lyrics. The band officially split in 2005, only to reunite three years later for a handful of reunion shows. With a comeback album and several tours under their belt, it’s safe to say the Get Up Kids are back at it for good and not just cashing in on nostalgia. by Kevin Diers