Mikoto

We Are The Architects

[3/5]

Following their brash self-titled 2005 EP, Orange County, California’s Mikoto finally deliver on its promise with their debut full-length. They continue to crank out thick slabs of hardcore might, though they temper it with melodic choruses and a fair amount of musical dynamics. Ray Harkins screams more harshly than ever, sharply contrasting with guitarist Matt Moody’s soulful crooning. It’s the classic "screamo" combo: One dude yelling bloody murder, and another singing away sweetly. Some label it the good cop/bad cop vocal scenario (though it’s certainly arguable who is Danny Glover and who is Mel Gibson). We’ve heard it before; Hawthorne Heights, Atreyu and Thursday have taken this formula to six-figure-selling heights. Yet Mikoto add their own twists, with the breakneck thrash of “The Stage Is Set” to the Incubus undertones of “Giving Up.” Plus, the musicians boast more chops than a kung-fu flick. (TORQUE) Casey Boland