On their new album Wisher, Oklahoma’s Ben Quad take a bold step forward, dialing back the breakneck chaos of their debut in favor of something softer, more expansive, and emotionally resonant. Where I’m Scared That’s All There Is established the band as leaders of the new “riff-heavy emo punk” wave, Wisher widens the lens, weaving in moments of vulnerability, reflection, and melody without losing the urgency that put them on the map. The record is elevated by powerful guest spots from Microwave, Sam Canty of Treaty Oak, and Sweet Pill, each pushing Ben Quad further into new sonic territory.

The result is a body of work that feels more intimate yet bigger than ever — a record that trades sheer volume for deeper emotional weight while still carrying the energy of the band’s roots. With Wisher, Ben Quad prove that growth doesn’t mean losing edge — it means finding new ways to make it cut deeper.