In the world of punk, hardcore, and emo, Long Island has an illustrious history of birthing iconic bands. Koyo, a group of five childhood friends who have grown up together in the heart of this vibrant musical scene, is the latest to emerge from this fertile ground. After forming in 2020 and earning acclaim with a series of well-received EPs, Koyo is now poised to leave their indelible mark with their debut album, "Would You Miss It?" This record isn't just a musical offering; it's a genuine reflection of the camaraderie and creativity that has fueled this band since their inception. This upcoming album is a triumphant fusion of punk, hardcore, and emo, offering a poignant and contemporary coming-of-age masterpiece that transcends generational boundaries.
"Would You Miss It?" embodies the essence of Long Island summers, seamlessly blending influences from bands like Taking Back Sunday and Silent Majority while carving out a unique identity of its own. The album is a testament to Koyo's authenticity, with every note and lyric bearing the unmistakable imprint of the individuals who crafted it. Unlike manufactured acts, Koyo's music is a raw and unfiltered representation of who they are as people and musicians.
The journey to "Would You Miss It?" has been a deliberate one, with Koyo taking their time to perfect their debut. The songs on this record have been in the making since the early days of the band, evolving, and maturing as the members themselves did. This meticulous approach is evident in the album's depth and emotional resonance. The band has been making waves with their previously released singles, "Message Like A Bomb," "Anthem," and "You're On The List (Minus One)," which earned acclaim from prominent outlets such as Stereogum, BrooklynVegan, Uproxx, and Revolver. Their latest single "Life's A Pill" continues this trend, delivering another infectious dose of Koyo's signature singalong-ready punk sound.
To fully immerse themselves in the creative process, Koyo retreated to a barn in rural New Jersey, partnering with producer Jon Markson (known for his work with Drug Church, Regulate, and One Step Closer). They spent six weeks there, painstakingly refining every aspect of the album. The result is a collection of songs that not only build upon Koyo's established foundation but also exude a newfound sharpness and vigor. Tracks like "You're On The List (Minus One)," "Message Like A Bomb (ft. Daryl Palumbo)," and "Anthem" showcase Koyo's evolution ,delivering an even more captivating and anthemic sound.
The making of "Would You Miss It?" wasn't without its challenges. Guitarist Harold Griffin's recovery from a major ankle surgery, necessitated by an onstage accident, added an extra layer of complexity to the process. Yet, his determination and resilience shine through on the album, with several songs born during his recovery period, proving that creativity knows no bounds.
Vocalist Joseph Chiaramonte, on the other hand, delved deep into his own introspection to craft the album's lyrics. "Life's A Pill," a standout track on the album, offers a poignant glimpse into Chiaramonte's emotional journey. It's a song born out of personal loss and the coping mechanisms he employed while on tour. This introspective and emotionally charged approach to songwriting is a common thread throughout the record. The accompanying music video, drenched in shades of blue, perfectly complements the track's crunchy guitars and anthemic choruses. It exemplifies Koyo's talent for weaving familiar influences into something refreshing and innovative, creating a sensory experience that resonates with the soul. The music video, directed by Eric Richter, manages to capture the raw, haunting essence of the track. It's visually striking, evoking complex emotions without being overtly scary. Richter's artistic approach aligns seamlessly with the song's abstract themes resulting in a mesmerizing visual counterpart to the music.
"Would You Miss It?" also boasts impressive collaborations with genre luminaries such as Glassjaw's Daryl Palumbo, Vinnie Caruana of The Movielife, and Vein.FM's Anthony DiDio. The production achieves a grandeur that doesn't compromise the raw energy of Koyo's sound. The album serves as a bridge between the past and present of East Coast punk. Each guest vocalist seamlessly integrates into Koyo's musical language, enhancing the album's sonic diversity and emotional depth. Their music proudly carries the legacy of their scene, drawing inspiration from acts like Taking Back Sunday and Silent Majority. However, Koyo's songwriting prowess speaks volumes, establishing them as a force in their own right.
The tracklist for "Would You Miss It?" promises a thrilling journey through Koyo's sonic universe, with each song contributing a unique piece to the puzzle of their sound. Standout tracks include the emotional rollercoaster of "Life's A Pill," the infectious anthem "Anthem," and the explosive "Message Like A Bomb."
In its entirety, "Would You Miss It?" is a coming-of-age narrative, a testament to the power of friendship, and a love letter to Long Island's rich musical heritage. It's a testament to their ability to craft songs that are not only musically engaging but also deeply resonant on an emotional level. Koyo's ability to effortlessly navigate the musical landscape, from hardcore to pop-punk to emo, is a testament to their genre-spanning talent. “Would You Miss It?” is a remarkable debut album that solidifies the band's place in the punk and emo landscape. As the lyrics of "Anthem" suggest, the best is yet to come, and Koyo is undoubtedly at the forefront of the new wave of Long Island bands. "Would You Miss It?" is a powerful declaration of their arrival, and it's an album that demands your attention -- You wouldn’t want to miss it.
