Of the two bands that arose from the ashes of beloved Midwest emo band Cap’n Jazz, The Promise Ring represent the poppy side, albeit it’s a very peculiar, mumbling form of pop on their first album, 30º Everywhere (Jade Tree, 1996) (the experimental side continues to be found in Joan of Arc and Tim Kinsella’s side projects). Davey von Bohlen’s vocals have progressed beyond the background yelps of his former band, but not by much—his proudly pronounced lisp and warbling pitch are simultaneously endearing and annoying, especially on “My Firetower Flame.” Former members of Wisconsin experimental/post-hardcore bands None Left Standing and Ceilishrine propel the music forward with more force than the chaos of Cap’n Jazz: “Between Pacific Coasts” is among the faster songs, while “Scenes from France” provides one of many downtempo examples. Actually, much of 30º is downtempo—aside from the catchy opening of “Everywhere in Denver,” the best songs are the slower ones. “A Picture Postcard” (previously released on the Falsetto Keeps Time 7”) is practically an emo classic, and quickly became a thorn in the band’s side as sensitive beefcake dudes requested it at every show to demonstrate their capacity for compassion. It’s not difficult to hear clichés here: dynamic shifts, cryptic vocals inaudibly buried low in the mix, start-stop arrangements, etc. aren’t unique to The Promise Ring in 1996. However, hidden amongst the amateurish clichés are glimpses of the pop powerhouse The Promise Ring would become over their next few releases.