I adore Kakihara as they remind me of some great times in the mid 2000’s when Scotland had a bustling hardcore scene. As well as the usual Glasgow and Edinburgh hot beds there were cracking bands, venues and promoters in Aberdeen, Perth and Dundee with talent that formed many strains of hardcore. As well as great music there were many great friends and hearing and seeing Kakihara brings me back to that. With a positive outlook, incredible stage presence and stacks of riffs and beatdowns, Kakihara are one of the finest metallic hardcore bands in Scotland.
Having spoken with some of the members Kakihara also loved that period of time and the band builds on that nostalgia without using it as a crutch. Having released multiple singles over the years Kakihara has stepped up to releasing an EP, all 5 tracks and 8 minutes of it. There is a somewhat unique skill Scottish people are blessed with, walking the fine line between self-deprecating humour and being serious within close proximity to each other. Whilst self styling as just “Big Stupit Beatdoons” Kakihara also tackles subjects of hope and failure.
Closer ‘It’s Going To Be OK’ is the latter of those with lyrics of “For those who can’t go on, you’re not alone…it’s going to be OK”, whilst ‘Nothing Else To Say’ falls a bit more towards the former with its incredible beatdown of “I just want you to know, that I think you’re an absolute cunt”. The five tracks on Love Songs Part 2 are more ferocious than the previous releases and it’s quite the whirlwind of an 8 minutes. Staying firmly in the grounds of metallic hardcore with an intensity that doesn’t feel too far away from grind in a similar fashion that Burnt By The Sun and Converge manage. Each of the five tracks has its own character and it is almost incredible how much can be done in such a short space of time.
Although I have joked about the output of the band the one thing that can’t be laughed off is the commitment. Kakihara has been everywhere, playing everywhere. When they are witnessed live it is impossible not to fall for the charm and beatdowns, with half the band playing on the floor in the crowd, it can change a sparse gig into a memorable interaction. There aren’t many bands in the country that can match the effort and it would be magical to see the band get the rewards they are due. I couldn’t say enough good things about Kakihara and Love Songs Part 2 is another great collection in a catalogue of perfection.
Be sure to experience Kakihara live next year:
16 Jan 26 – Bristol Golden Lion
17 Jan 26 – Nottingham
18 Jan 26 – London Old Blue Last
13 March – Glasgow Audio Lounge
14 March – Edinburgh Banshee Labyrinth
15 March – Manchester Old Pint Pot
