Firebrand - Kokusai (コクサイ)
Firebrand are a four-piece post-hardcore emo band from Virginia. While many emo-rock bands implement math-rock as an excuse to be messy and disorderly, Firebrand exceed at their delivery of instrumentation, regardless of the time signature. While it may disappointingly short, Kokusai (コクサイ) is a promising debut.
Shūjin (シュージン) boasts impressive emotional vocal delivery, paired with an admirable execution of math-rock instrumentation. It derives its spirit from emo, though doesn’t use its post-hardcore roots as an excuse to be sloppy; Kokusai (コクサイ) is proficiently tight. Teien (テイエン) ft. Tired Violence harkens to the playful compositions and powerful deliveries of Kinsella on early Cap n Jazz. Jiko (ジコ) ft. Old Old is perhaps the most impressive suite in contrast to rest of the EP, demonstrating exquisite range. When Firebrand steers further away from emo-rock/rock-pop conventions, they soar. Sadly, when they fall back on the conventions, they tend to sound far too similar to their influences. For instance, while Omocha (オモチャ) boasts some of the most impressive instrumentation, but it sadly relies on rock-opera tropes towards the end.
A defying feature of Firebrand’s Kokusai (コクサイ) is its undeniable level of polish. Regardless of how many competing frequencies are in the mix, they are mixed rather admirably. Paired with their enthusiastic and charismatic vocalist, the end result is irresistible; one could say the only major fault is its lacklustre length. If you’re in the mood for emo/post-hardcore, look no further than Firebrand.
Really Good
Listen to it here:
Firebrand - Kokusai (コクサイ)
