While most kids their age are just learning that "Once upon a time there was a thing called hardcore," Chicago's precocious Ateriavia has developed a reputation for musical superiority far surpassing that of their generic classmates. Formed in 2003 and composed of five members who have been alive just long enough to put their peers to shame, Ateriavia may be green, but they're not about to fall victim to the out-of-key irony of the dominant post-hardcore scene. In a genre distinguished by halftone Dischord photocopies, their sound is a refreshing collaboration of contradictions, bursting with sharp, limber guitars that are simultaneously lush and incisive, and vocals both acerbic and emotional. In their arena of progressive post-nineties emo-core they are in fair company, evoking frequent comparisons to provincial gurus At the Drive-In and buzzline favorites Q and Not U, while maintaining a subtle and unimstakably indie presentiment that defies simple genre subordinance. With song titles that rival the wit of Minus the Bear and stage acrobatics that would make The Blood Brothers blush, Ateriavia has proven itself a taxonomic prodigal son, and a force to be reckoned with. With non-stop touring and the October 2004 release of their EP Regarding the Midwest: Sleeping on indie label Lujo Records, Ateriavia have come into their own, cementing their place among post-hardcore's brightest, and tip-toeing toward greatness one town at a time.