The Vermont-based rapper nothing,nowhere. (aka Joe Mulherin) makes guitar-forward emo-rap that distills poppy angst and Soundcloud rap in a way that feels far less ironic than his peers. With a co-sign from Dashboard Confessional’s Chris Carrabba, nothing,nowhere. has

the makings a mainstream star. Mulherin’s crunchy, hippy positivity makes him stand out; even at his darkest, nothing,nowhere. sounds soft and friendly. As he said in a recent profile, “I’m acting upon my empathy. I have nothing but good intentions.”

This attitude is apparent on “REM,” from his new album, Reaper. It’s a weepy love song that showcases his earnest lyrics and emo wail: “I’m so sick of feeling used/I wish I could dream of something new.” nothing,nowhere. is a dramatic vocalist, flitting confidently from pained, nasal screams to somber, low-key raps. But the song combines conventional emo instrumentation with a rap rhythm for a crossover sound that’s a little kitschy: Spacious, echoing guitars chug out a limping rhythm as claps and kicks thump below, and a crackling fireplace sample lays down a thick atmosphere of melodrama. His collaborator Lil West’s flat, Auto-Tuned warble in the background doesn’t help, further muddying the mix. The only clarifying element is nothing, nowhere’s voice, which broadcasts enough raw emotion to make-up for some missteps. While there are some kinks he needs to work out, nothing,nowhere.’s tormented performance on “REM” is magnetic.