2020 was supposed to be the year for My Chemical Romance. After years of speculation, the New Jersey emo giants played a reunion show in L.A. in December 2019, which was followed by the announcement of various other live dates to follow. Now, the COVID-19 pandemic has stolen the thunder of the news and the fate of the reunion is up in the air. It’s a sad situation but luckily, we have something for you to catch your breath.
YouTube user Erick Curiel uploaded a norteño version of one of their biggest hits (although if we’re splitting hairs, it sounds a bit more Tejano overall), “I’m Not Okay (I Promise).” The cover uses the studio version as its basis, then layered with accordion, drums, and vocals en español on top. The results are both faithful to the original in terms of structure and passion, and 100% regional ALV. It’s such a delightful little thing that it will at least give a smile to all those diehard fans who packed the historic Palacio de los Deportes concert that marked the end of the Black Parade tour back in the day.
Like Cardi B recently proved, the emo revival is unstoppable and the new wave of regional music is having a moment, so this feels like a perfect storm of sorts. If you feel nostalgic not just for Hot Topic gear but also carne asada Sundays, this is definitely up your alley.