Philadelphia, PA band KAONASHI have released their highly anticipated debut full-length, Dear Lemon House, You Ruined Me: Senior Year, on Equal Vision Records/Unbeaten Records. The concept album follows the character Jamie, who was first introduced on the band’s Why Did You Do It? EP, through Lemon House High and the different people they interact with. From their first day of school, a romantic relationship with Casey, and the turmoil that comes with being an American teenager, the eleven tracks on the album tell a unique, emotionally turbulent story in the world Kaonashi has created.
The heavy storyline on the album is accompanied by an expansive sound, building off of the band’s self-coined genre of “emo mathcore.” While math rock-driven moments and cathartic lyrics are still prominent, the band adds in elements of post-hardcore, progressive rock, and even an acoustic ballad, making for a diverse listen. Songs like “Market Street (Chardonnay, Diamonds, & Me)” and “Run Away Jay” are a force to be reckoned with, weaving intricate guitars and hard-hitting drums, while “Fuck Temple University” and “The Underdog I: Blue Pop” balance the franticness of Kaonashi with more melodic moments.
The writing process was a collaborative experience as the group locked themselves away in a cabin in Maine for two weeks, later returning back to the state to record with producer Evan Sammons. Among the band’s groove-heavy chaos found throughout Dear Lemon House, You Ruined Me: Senior Year, there is a clear, resounding message that Kaonashi hopes their audience will take to heart: It’s all about listening. You can stream the album here now and purchase it here.
To celebrate the release of the album, Kaonashi will head out on tour across North America this fall supporting Hail The Sun, alongside Kurt Travis and Body Thief. A full list of tour dates and ticket info can be found here.
Kaonashi is Peter Rono (vocals), Ryan Paolilli (drums), August Axcelson (bass/vocals), Alex Hallquist (guitar/vocals), and Roger Alvarez (guitar).
“Kaonashi might be your new favorite thing.” – Loudwire
“Some the most uniquely chaotic post-hardcore you’ll hear all year.” – BrooklynVegan
“A true masterpiece of modern music and storytelling.” – New Transcendence
“A totally bonkers concept record about a fictional high-schooler named Jamie that sounds like everything from the Blood Brothers to Coheed and Cambria to Periphery.” – Revolver
