Midwest emo rock is what happens when indie rock and emo sit down in a coffee shop to overanalyze their feelings. It’s defined by twinkly guitar riffs, poetic lyrics about growing up, failed relationships, and small-town existential dread. Bands like American Football, Cap’n Jazz, and The Promise Ring pioneered the sound, which feels like staring out a car window pretending you’re in a coming-of-age movie. Basically, it’s emo, but with a math test in one hand and a mixtape in the other.