Koyo has officially dropped their highly anticipated debut album, Would You Miss It?, and it’s an album you definitely don’t want to overlook. Hailing from Long Island, this up-and-coming emo/hardcore band has already impressed with two stellar EPs under their belt, so expectations were high. Fortunately, Koyo has managed to meet (and in some ways, exceed) those expectations with a well-crafted full-length that holds its own against their earlier material.
One of the album’s most impressive qualities is its seamless flow. Koyo has a knack for piecing their songs together in a way that feels natural and cohesive, almost like a story being told through a mix of energy, emotion, and sonic exploration. The pacing, aided by the rhythm section’s solid groove, is one of the strongest elements here. The bass and drums lock in together beautifully, providing a steady foundation that allows the rest of the album to breathe and build.
While the guitars aren’t as upfront or sharply defined as they were on the band's previous releases, they still pack a punch. They serve the songs in a more restrained way, offering texture and depth without overshadowing the other elements. The vocals, a hallmark of Koyo’s sound, retain their signature beefiness, but this time around there’s a bit more variety. Clean vocals and fun, harmonized backing vocals are woven in, adding an extra layer of dynamics and emotional range to the overall performance.
However, the album isn’t without its flaws. At times, the production feels a little off, particularly when it comes to mixing the backing vocals and guest vocalists. There are moments where these elements are buried or harder to discern, which can be distracting during the more layered sections of the album. It’s a minor gripe, but one worth mentioning in a record that otherwise showcases impressive attention to detail.
It was always going to be a tough task for Koyo to surpass the impact of their early material, but Would You Miss It? shows they’re more than capable of standing toe-to-toe with their previous releases. While some of these new tracks may not completely eclipse their earlier work, they are strong in their own right, and they fit comfortably within Koyo’s evolving catalog. This debut album proves that the band is not just a one-hit wonder; they’re here to stay, carving out their place in the emo/hardcore scene with songs that will resonate with fans both old and new.
RATING: 8/10
NOTIABLE TRACKS:
51st State
Flatline Afternoon
Anthem
Postcards