Once again, the Mile High City has another solid post-punk album on the shelf. In June of 2026, Replica City, the three-piece rock outfit based out of Denver, released their second full-length album, A Better You. This emotionally charged, raucous affair leans in while tuning out, delivering another one-two punch from the DIY record label, Power Goth Recordings.
Almost casual in its angst, A Better You is unpretentious and intentional, feeling like a group of friends successfully writing music for themselves. With that comes the sense Replica City is not seeking validation in their endeavors but simply pushing themselves to new artistic limits. “Sweethearts” has the band coming out swinging with vocalist and guitarist Corey Furin’s raspy lament leading the charge. Accompanied by bassist Matt Dunne and drummer Nathan Rodriguez, Furin takes the album in several surprising directions.
Fueled by Midwest emo and the punk and shoegaze legends of the ’90s and 2000s, songs like “TV Static” and “Don’t Get Cute” scratch a certain itch for fans of the era while keeping the album moving forward. And this album doesn’t stop. Somehow, in a sound capturing a certain apathy, the energy stays cranked the whole way through without becoming contrived.
Title track “A Better You” stands as a fun interlude before kicking into the back end and not letting up. Packed with interesting tricks, “The Grift” and “Menace” display a healthy amount of nuance deep listeners will enjoy. “Deadliner” starts to bring us home with an emotional and unforgiving march shifting between post-punk anger and Midwest emo, in one of the best tracks on the album.
What might not be obvious to many casual listeners is how easily this album could have fallen apart. The contemptuous disinterest conveyed on A Better You is carried across the finish line by sleek production and dedicated musicianship. If any aspect of that was off, this album would fall short of the emotional impact it has now. Where many bands choose to settle for the sake of time or resources, Replica City found the sweet spot of knowing their strengths and putting them exactly where they need to be. This takes the things that would normally distract the listener and instead allows them to shine.
Power Goth Recordings is a label not to be underestimated. Each release they have put out this year has been impressive and a demonstration on letting musicians fulfill their vision. Where things go next for them will be exciting to see.
