KOYO - Would You Miss It?

American post-hardcore bands have consistently excelled in crafting guitar riffs that elicit powerful emotional responses. The debut album by KOYO, a fresh addition to the Long Island music scene, demonstrates this skill right from the outset. Without uttering a single word, “51st State” conjures a blend of euphoria and sorrow. As the vocals kick in, the emotional impact intensifies. It’s akin to standing on a beach, witnessing the most breathtaking sunset of your life, all while grappling with the loss of your closest friend. KOYO masterfully encapsulates this intricate mixture of sadness, nostalgia, and hope in their songs.

Comprising former members of the underground stalwarts SEEYOUSPACECOWBOY, KOYO emerges as a perfect soundtrack for autumn. As young adults venture off to university, earnest and raspy-voiced post-hardcore provides the backdrop for leaving home and settling into dorms. Tracks like “You’re On The List (Minus One)” and “Life’s A Pill” are tactile and immersive. They possess an indescribable quality that feels like the musical embodiment of strolling to a lecture while autumn leaves change color, accompanied by a lingering sense of growing apart from childhood friends.

However, if this description implies that the album is exclusively for those prone to shedding tears at the slightest emotional shift, think again. “Would You Miss It?” resides in the more emotional corner of punk music, yet it offers more than wistful yearning. It’s spirited rather than melancholic, with an infectious zeal propelling it forward. Take, for instance, “Message Like A Bomb,” a rousing anthem that will have TAKING BACK SUNDAY enthusiasts belting out lyrics with sheer delight. “What’s Left To Say” bursts forth with uplifting, irresistible charm, reminiscent of HOT WATER MUSIC at their most open-hearted moments. There are even surprising moments of heaviness; a cameo appearance by Anthony DiDio of VEIN.FM transforms “Flatline Afternoon” into a ferocious and adrenaline-fueled beast.

All of these elements contribute to “Would You Miss It?” being a captivating and endearing album. However, there’s a caveat: this is primarily intended for aficionados of the genre. KOYO treads the well-worn path previously explored by bands like THURSDAY, and if there’s one criticism to be made, it’s that they may be a bit too enamored with their influences. For those who prefer their hardcore to be unrelenting and unapologetically aggressive, this album may not resonate.

That said, if you’re willing to embrace a collection of songs that will leave you with a head full of poignant memories of bygone friends and moments, “Would You Miss It?” comes highly recommended. For younger listeners, it has the potential to be a transformative experience. So, don your flannel shirt, observe the leaves gently descending to the ground, and try not to dwell too much on the unfulfilled promises of a certain someone who isn’t keeping in touch as much as they pledged.