Mikoto – Mikoto

www.mikotomusic.com www.level-plane.com

From the ashes of two melodic hardcore bands (Taken and Preacher Gone To Texas, respectively) Mikoto was formed. Since my last review of a great demo, they have grown as a band, and it shows in the song writing. Now, the difference between this and the demo is only slight. While the Taken-esque guitars and their swirling remains, the overall pace of the record is slower. Now with the slower pace, the creativity can come out a little more. While this is a good release, lyrically and musically, I think that the band took a safer route to this release. While I enjoy the mid-paced, two stepping jamboree this release is, it just seems like it’s missing something. And that something is more fast parts, and that’s all. While it is a good record, and it does have some very frantic parts to up the energy, it, just like the demo, leaves you wanting more, so make a full-length already, and add everything you had done before and up it times ten. To boot, the art is absolutely beautiful (Mikoto means Beauty in Japanese), and in relation to lyrical beauty, again you can connect to Ray Harkins’ as he barks out his unique style, be it with “blessed are the broken”, “tired of me”, or “traditional anthem”. They are a band to still watch, and I think patience with this band will be the key. Recommended. 8.0/10