Mikoto – We Are the Architects

Torque Records
October 14th, 2008
Post-Hardcore/Alternative

Hailing from Orange County, California, comes the talented Mikoto. The band currently consists of: Ray Harkins the screamer, Matt Moody singing the clean vocals and playing guitar, Martin Diaz on guitar, Kelly Orr on bass guitar, and Max Cuzor on drums. Mikoto started in 2005, putting out their debut EP only to be recorded in three days! Their full-length debut was set to be released in the Fall of 2008. The eleven-song album was written by Matt and Martin in only one month. With twenty-two days to record, they created “We Are the Architects.  A special bonus track will be featured on the Japan retail edition; it will be a cover song “Dis-connected by the band Face to Face.

With a clean singer and a screamer, what more could you ask for? Although, it’s a typical post-hardcore thing to do, Mikoto is quite different from the other similar bands. This was the first I’ve really listened to the band since their 2005 EP, and I’m very impressed. The musicianship of this band has greatly increased over the years they have been together. Deafening screams and soothing clean vocals is what really makes this band. Choice of lyrics is also a huge thing this band has dedicated themselves to.

The first thing to stand out to me on this album is the use of a special guest. Stacy Clark, who sings back-up on the track “Giving Up, makes the song very diverse. Another thing that stood out was “The Hours We Keep”, a great choice to start this album out. For those who haven’t given Mikoto a listen yet, it will be a great introduction to a new band. Getting used to Ray’s voice wasn’t that hard. Ray’s screaming is always right on, while Matt’s vocals are never too high and always just right.

Mikoto are not only here to share great music, but to also share their passion and dedication towards what they have created. They will definitely be on the list of great bands to look forward to next year. This band has great influences to creating the right kind of music. “We Are the Architects” has been put on my top ten great releases for 2008. For recording this album in twenty-two days they did a pretty good job on the production of the album. I will say some of it sounds a little sketchy but sometimes sketchy is good! I feel this album will make some people fall in love with Mikoto if they haven’t already.

Listen here: Myspace and Purevolume
Buy it: Smartpunk

Written by: Antonio Vazquez

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