Description
Sincere Engineer – Rhombithian – Vinyl Record
Sincere Engineer’s Rhombithian (2017) is the debut album by Chicago-based punk rock and emo singer-songwriter Deanna Belos, who performs under the moniker Sincere Engineer. Released on Red Scare Industries, a label known for its roster of punk and indie bands, Rhombithian blends raw, confessional lyrics with the driving energy of punk rock and touches of Midwest emo. Belos’s sharp, self-deprecating lyricism and emotionally vulnerable delivery quickly resonated with fans, making her a standout voice in the punk scene.
With its mix of heartfelt, introspective songwriting and gritty punk energy, Rhombithian captures the anxieties, frustrations, and occasional triumphs of navigating young adulthood. Belos’s ability to combine witty, often humorous lyrics with genuine emotional depth gives the album a distinct voice, drawing comparisons to artists like The Menzingers and Jeff Rosenstock.
Rhombithian is rooted in punk rock, but it also features the introspective, emotionally charged qualities of emo. The album’s raw guitar riffs and fast-paced rhythms are balanced by Belos’s confessional lyrics and emotional intensity, giving the album a deeply personal feel.
The album’s sound is energetic and propulsive, driven by Belos’s powerful, raspy vocals and melodic hooks. Songs often build from quieter, reflective moments into louder, cathartic choruses, mirroring the emotional rollercoaster of the lyrics.
The production on Rhombithian has a lo-fi, DIY quality that adds to its authenticity. The album feels raw and unpolished, capturing the urgency and immediacy of punk while also allowing for moments of vulnerability.
Key Tracks
“Corn Dog Sonnet No. 7”: One of the most memorable tracks, “Corn Dog Sonnet No. 7” blends humor with heartache, as Belos sings about procrastination, anxiety, and self-doubt. The song’s playful title and quirky lyrics are contrasted by its emotional depth, making it a standout both lyrically and melodically. Its catchy, anthemic chorus and sing-along quality have made it a fan favorite.
“Ceramic Tile”: This track showcases Belos’s ability to balance melancholy with upbeat punk energy. The song reflects on feelings of alienation and the desire to break free from a stagnant routine. With its driving rhythm and soaring chorus, it’s one of the more dynamic songs on the album.
“Overbite”: Another emotionally raw track, “Overbite” captures the feelings of insecurity and self-consciousness that often come with growing up. Belos’s vocals carry a mix of vulnerability and defiance, while the jangly guitar riffs and catchy melody add an uplifting element to the song.
“Shattering”: A slower, more introspective song, “Shattering” explores themes of loneliness and self-doubt. The song’s quieter moments build into a powerful, cathartic chorus, showcasing Belos’s ability to channel deep emotions through her music.
“Rhombithian”: The title track encapsulates the themes of the album—self-reflection, emotional struggles, and personal growth. The song builds from a gentle, melodic intro into a louder, more intense conclusion, reflecting the emotional highs and lows that run throughout the album.
Much of Rhombithian deals with feelings of self-doubt, anxiety, and the pressure of trying to figure out life. Songs like “Corn Dog Sonnet No. 7” and “Overbite” reflect the struggle to navigate personal insecurities, often with a blend of humor and vulnerability.
Belos often reflects on feelings of alienation and the search for identity. Tracks like “Ceramic Tile” and “Shattering” express a sense of being stuck, whether in relationships, routines, or self-perception, and the desire to break free from these emotional confines.
Despite the heavy themes, there’s a sense of humor woven throughout the album. Belos’s witty, often self-deprecating lyrics keep the songs grounded and relatable, giving Rhombithian a unique voice that balances emotional honesty with playful storytelling.
Belos’s vocals are central to the emotional impact of Rhombithian. Her voice is raw and powerful, conveying a mix of vulnerability and strength. Whether she’s singing softly in introspective moments or belting out anthemic choruses, her vocal delivery is authentic and emotionally resonant. The album’s guitar work is a mix of jangly, melodic riffs and driving punk chords. The guitars often mirror the emotional shifts in the songs, transitioning from quieter, reflective sections to louder, more energetic moments. This dynamic range adds depth to the album’s overall sound. The rhythm section, with fast-paced drums and punchy basslines, drives the album’s punk energy. The straightforward, propulsive drumming keeps the songs moving, while the bass adds warmth and fullness to the sound, especially during the album’s louder, more cathartic moments.
Rhombithian quickly established Sincere Engineer as a fresh voice in the punk and emo scenes. The album’s mix of raw emotion, sharp lyricism, and melodic punk energy resonated with fans of bands like The Menzingers, The Lawrence Arms, and Modern Baseball. The album’s themes of anxiety, self-doubt, and navigating young adulthood struck a chord with listeners, particularly within the millennial and Gen Z generations. Belos’s ability to capture these feelings with honesty and humor made her lyrics highly relatable and gave the album a lasting impact. Hailing from Chicago, Sincere Engineer became part of the city’s vibrant punk scene, which has produced influential acts like Alkaline Trio and Rise Against. Rhombithian helped solidify Belos’s place within this scene, further contributing to Chicago’s rich punk history.
Rhombithian by Sincere Engineer is a powerful and emotionally resonant debut album that blends punk rock energy with introspective, emo-tinged lyricism. Deanna Belos’s witty, self-deprecating lyrics and raw vocal delivery create an authentic, relatable listening experience that captures the struggles of young adulthood. With standout tracks like “Corn Dog Sonnet No. 7” and “Ceramic Tile,” Rhombithian showcases a unique voice in the punk scene and has made Sincere Engineer a standout act within the genre. The album’s mix of emotional honesty, humor, and punk intensity ensures its lasting appeal for fans of heartfelt, DIY punk rock.
Debut album from Sincere Engineer
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Corn Dog Sonnet No. 7
Ceramic Tile
Overbite
Screw Up
Shattering
Here’s Your Two Dollars
1K Rats
Candle Wax
Let You Down
Keep You Company
Ghosts In The Graveyard
