The Promise Ring

Back in the halcyon days before a certain three-letter word became a four-letter word, Milwaukee’s The Promise Ring reigned supreme over the burgeoning Midwest emo scene. Led by former Cap’n Jazz guitarist Davey Von Bohlen, the group exemplified the genre’s melodic, heart-on-sleeve songwriting, and produced two classic albums: 1996’s 30° Everywhere and 1997’s Nothing Feels Good. TPR took a decidedly poppier route with 1999’s Very Emergency, a move that left some longtime fans in the cold; by the time 2002’s underrated Wood/water came around, the band was on its last legs. Reunion rumors circulated for years (during which time Von Bohlen and former TPR drummer Dan Didier formed Maritime), but it wasn’t until last November that the group made things official. Now The Promise Ring is playing its first shows since 2005, taking fans back to a feel-good time when nothing felt good.

Updated 05/07/2012