What’s in a name? With some bands, it seems like their name is intentionally bad, generated by formulas like combining the name of the nearest object with their childhood pet (Goo Goo Dolls, Spoon, Limp Bizkit).

Emily’s Army are an exception to the rule – for now, anyway. Even though I quite liked the idea of having my own army, it turns out the name comes from somewhere more meaningful. According to drummer Joey Armstrong – who happens to be the son of Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong – Emily’s Army were named after a foundation that raises money and awareness for cystic fibrosis.

“Max and Cole [Becker, the band’s bassist and frontman], their cousin has cystic fibrosis and we are really close with her. There is a foundation called Emily’s Army, so we decided on that name to help raise awareness and also support her foundation,” says Armstrong. “We are actually in the process of changing our name. We still do benefit shows once or twice a year and sell merchandise with her name on it, but Soundwave will be our last show as Emily’s Army.”

It’s understandable that after ten years, they feel it’s time for a makeover. Armstrong, the Becker brothers and former guitarist Travis Neumann started the band together when some of them were still nine years old, after watching the Jack Black film School Of Rock. Until now, all of their music was made during those angsty years we call ‘adolescence’. But Armstrong maintains they are not at all ashamed of the ghosts of musical phases past.

“Our first two records were really pop-punk and we’re really proud of that – we still like them, but it’s not really the style we’re into any more. We are 19 and 20, so we are starting to really develop into our own sound.”

It’s not only their sound that is developing – the band members’ opinions are shifting and growing as well, especially as they have started grappling with more complex arguments and ideas at university. For one thing, they are outspoken feminists, even though a discerning eye will note there are no females in the band.

“It was one of those things that was a no-brainer,” Armstrong says. “We believe in equality for everyone and if we can create awareness for feminism, that’s something we want to do. It helps everyone.”

For a 19-year-old, Armstong’s confidence in his carefully considered argument is striking. But he’s not all talk, either. He points to a video the band released for ‘You Bit Me’ as an example of putting their convictions into action. In response to an advertisement for the Carl’s Jr. burger chain, in which a heavily airbrushed woman is shown seductively chowing down, Emily’s Army shot their own version.

“We wanted something that put out a stronger message. The ad shows this unrealistic, ridiculous video of this girl sexually eating a hamburger. So instead we got this girl, and she’s also a beautiful girl, to just eat a hamburger and make it as real and disgusting as possible. She spills it all over herself, she gets ketchup in her hair.”

In line with these fundamental shifts in the band’s outlook has been a shift in sound, from pop-punk to more California-infused surf rock. So what have they chosen for their new band name?

“Our new EP is called Swim, and it’s really like a first step on our new adventure,” says Armstrong. “So we are going to change our name to Swimmers.”

Well, there’s definitely been worse.

Catch Emily’s Army atSoundwave Festival 2015alongsideSlipknot, Faith No More, Soundgarden, Marilyn Manson, Incubus, Lamb Of God, Fall Out Boy, Ministry, Judas Priest and many more atSydney Olympic ParkfromSaturday February 28 to Sunday March 1. AndSwimiout now through Burger Cassete / Rise.

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