Didn't see this one coming!

Toronto, Ontario has quietly become one of Canada's hottest breeding grounds for hardcore, and Pluto's Kiss are quickly establishing themselves as one of the scene's brightest new names. Formed in 2024 by Norman, Michelle, Matt, Harold, and Micah, the band wears their influences proudly, pulling heavily from the energetic youth crew and Boston hardcore sounds pioneered by bands like Mental, Stop and Think, and Step Forward. Rather than simply recreating that style, however, Pluto's Kiss inject enough personality, groove, and youthful urgency to make it feel fresh.

Following a string of EPs and a self-titled full-length, You Had It Coming arrives as another concise blast of hardcore that understands one simple truth: sometimes less is more. Across just four songs and roughly six minutes, the band delivers relentless energy, memorable riffs, infectious grooves, and enough mosh-worthy moments to leave listeners reaching for the replay button almost immediately.

The EP opens with "The Act," wasting absolutely no time introducing Pluto's Kiss at full speed. Tight, energetic drumming launches the song before thick bass and sharp guitars crash into the mix. The production immediately stands out by capturing the raw feeling of a packed basement show while still allowing every instrument enough room to breathe.

The rhythm section does much of the heavy lifting here. The bass sits prominently beneath the guitars, providing a warm, punchy low end that gives the faster sections surprising weight. Meanwhile, the drummer constantly shifts between rapid punk beats, tasteful fills, and energetic two-step rhythms that keep the song feeling lively from beginning to end.

Vocally, the band delivers exactly what this style demands. The shouted performance feels urgent, frustrated, and authentic without drifting into metallic hardcore territory. Rather than relying on excessive aggression, the vocals maintain the spirited energy that defined much of the classic youth crew movement.

The song's greatest strength arrives during its slower groove section, where ringing guitar chords and bouncing rhythms create an irresistible two-step moment that perfectly captures the band's live-show mentality. It's an outstanding opener that immediately establishes the EP's identity.

"All The Wrong Reasons" pulls the tempo back slightly while leaning even harder into groove. The bass becomes one of the song's standout elements, delivering a thick, rumbling tone beneath chunky guitar riffs and heavier drum patterns. The drumming intentionally carries a slightly loose feel, giving the performance additional character rather than sounding overly polished.

Layered backing vocals float behind the main vocal performance throughout the song, adding atmosphere while reinforcing the gang-oriented spirit of classic hardcore. The slower build toward the closing groove pays off beautifully, allowing the tension to develop naturally before the band delivers another satisfying mosh section. It's a simple song structurally, but one that demonstrates Pluto's Kiss understand exactly how to pace hardcore effectively.

The pace immediately picks back up with "Another Day." Bright, fast-paced guitar riffs dominate the opening while crisp percussion keeps everything driving forward. The influence of classic Boston hardcore becomes particularly obvious here, especially during the energetic boat-beat sections that encourage movement without sacrificing momentum.

The bass once again provides an excellent foundation beneath the frantic guitar work, although the vocals occasionally feel slightly recessed within the mix compared to earlier tracks. Fortunately, the band's willingness to inject unexpected moments prevents the song from feeling formulaic. A surprise guitar solo appears midway through, adding a welcome twist that gives the track additional personality while showcasing the band's musicianship without becoming self-indulgent.

Closing track "Says Who?" wraps up the EP with another energetic display of everything Pluto's Kiss do well. Hard-hitting riffs, stomping rhythms, and tight drumming create one final burst of classic youth crew energy. The slower pacing allows the guitars to breathe, while the snare maintains a satisfying crack throughout.

The only minor drawback is that the bass occasionally becomes slightly buried beneath the guitars during some of the busier sections. Considering how strong the bass tone sounds elsewhere on the EP, it's one of the few production choices that feels slightly inconsistent. Fortunately, the issue is minor enough that it never significantly detracts from the song's impact.

What makes You Had It Coming so enjoyable isn't innovation—it's enthusiasm. Pluto's Kiss understand exactly what made the classic youth crew era so timeless. Fast riffs, energetic drumming, bouncing grooves, gang-style attitude, and memorable songwriting remain the band's primary focus throughout the entire release.

The production deserves particular praise for balancing modern clarity with the raw atmosphere hardcore demands. Nothing feels overly polished or sterile. Instead, the EP captures the excitement of a live performance while still delivering enough punch for repeat listening.

The rhythm section is consistently outstanding. The bass provides warmth and groove across nearly every track, while the drums inject constant momentum through creative fills, tight snare work, and perfectly timed tempo changes. Combined with sharp guitar playing and passionate vocal performances, Pluto's Kiss sound like a band that already understands its strengths remarkably well.

If there's one criticism, it's simply the runtime. At just six minutes, the EP ends almost as quickly as it begins. While the lack of filler is refreshing, it's difficult not to want another song or two before everything comes to an end. Then again, perhaps that's exactly why the release leaves such a lasting impression.

You Had It Coming is a textbook example of modern youth crew hardcore executed with confidence, sincerity, and infectious energy. Pluto's Kiss aren't interested in reinventing hardcore—they're interested in making people move, and they succeed at that goal spectacularly. Fast riffs, memorable grooves, excellent rhythm work, and nonstop momentum make this one of the strongest hardcore EPs to emerge from Canada this year.

Toronto's hardcore scene is clearly in good hands.