ALBUM REVIEW: Would You Miss It? – Koyo

If there’s one thing American post-hardcore bands have always done well, it’s come up with guitar riffs that trigger an emotional reaction. Long Island newcomers KOYO achieve this right at the start of their debut album. Before they’ve even said a word, 51st State evokes a heady cocktail of sunshine and grief, and when the vocals kick in it only gets more affecting. Imagine standing on a beach, gazing at the most perfect sunset you’ve ever seen in your life on the same day your best friend dies. KOYO take that complex mix of sadness, nostalgia and optimism and turn it into songs.

Formed by ex-members of underground veterans SEEYOUSPACECOWBOY, KOYO are a perfect band for the autumn. As teenagers head off to university for the first time, there’s nothing like earnest, gruff-voiced post-hardcore to soundtrack leaving home and moving into halls. The likes of You’re On The List (Minus One) and Life’s A Pill are tactile and engaging. It’s difficult to explain why, but they sound like the musical equivalent of walking to a lecture while leaves turn brown, unable to shake the nagging feeling that you’re gradually losing touch with the friends you grew up with.

Now, if that gives the impression that this album is solely for people who are likely to burst into tears whenever the wind changes, then think again. Would You Miss It? is definitely from the more emotional end of the punk world, but there’s more to it than pensive yearning. It’s more upbeat than sad and has a driving enthusiasm behind it all. Message Like A Bomb for instance, is a grand old singalong that will get TAKING BACK SUNDAY fans bellowing along with pure joy. What’s Left To Say is an uplifting burst of infectious charm that recalls HOT WATER MUSIC at their open-hearted best, and they even get surprisingly heavy at times; there’s a cameo from Anthony DiDio of VEIN.FM that turns Flatline Afternoon into a venom-blooded beast.

This all serves to make Would You Miss It? an evocative and likeable album, however there is a catch; this is very much one for genre enthusiasts. They walk the same path that bands like THURSDAY have already travelled down and if we had to make a criticism, it’s that they’re perhaps a little too in-thrall to their heroes. And if you prefer your hardcore to do nothing but fight and eat more grass-fed beef than is necessary, this won’t be for you.

That being said, if you’re prepared to walk away with a head full of bittersweet memories of friends and times gone by, Would You Miss It? is easy to recommend. For fans of a younger age, this has every chance of being life-changing. Put your flannel shirt on, watch the leaves flutter to the ground and try not to think of how she isn’t writing or calling as much as she promised to.

Rating: 8/10

Would You Miss It? is set for release on September 29th via Pure Noise Records.

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