Philadelphia experimental post-hardcore band Kaonashi have released a new single, "Straycations," from their forthcoming EP, A Second Chance at Forever: The Brilliant Lies from Casey Diamond. The EP is set to be released on 26 July via Equal Vision Records.
Kaonashi's guitarist Alex Hallquist shares that "Straycations" was written and recorded in the same week, giving the song a raw and vulnerable feel.
Hallquist explains:
"It’s got a very early 2000s emo vibe with a ton of dyad chords reminiscent of Coheed, Motion City Soundtrack, From Autumn to Ashes. The song features call and response vocals between Hallquist and vocalist Peter Rono, evoking the band's roots. The music video, directed by Victor Sabatino, captures the nostalgic feeling of the song.
Kaonashi will be supporting the new EP with a series of summer performances in the UK and Europe, including dates with The Fall of Troy and Hail The Sun, as well as headline shows and festival appearances.
Kaonashi, consisting of Peter Rono (vocals), Pao (drums), Ryne Jones (bass), and Alex Hallquist (guitar/vocals), aims to create change through their music. The band seeks to generate compassion, understanding, and empathy, leveraging their platform to make a positive impact. Their songs, while rooted in personal experiences, construct a parallel universe that offers both the band and their fans a cathartic escape.
Rono explains that their music tells a fictional story that progresses backward, starting with the tragic events of their 2021 LP Dear Lemon House, You Ruined Me: Senior Year, and moving through their 2024 release The 3 Faces of Beauty: A Violent Misinterpretation of Morgan Montgomery. The upcoming EP focuses on Casey and reveals more about the lead-up to the tragedy.
While the narrative arc provides depth, Kaonashi's music stands on its own with infectious hooks, syncopated synths, and a blend of genres that defy simple categorization. From the upbeat opener "Blood Red Camry Dance Party" to the emotionally heavy closer "Exit Pt. VI (The Guilt in the Rearview)," inspired by Death Cab For Cutie's Plans, the EP offers a diverse listening experience.
Save the date for A Second Chance at Forever: The Brilliant Lies from Casey Diamond, and watch the video for “Straycations”:
Upcoming live dates
28 July - Nottingham, UK — Bodega Social *
30 July - Bristol, UK — The Fleece *
31 July - Southampton, UK — Joiners *
01 Aug - Brighton, UK — Chalk *
02 Aug - London, UK — The Garage *
03 Aug - Leeds, UK — The Warehouse *
04 Aug - Glasgow, UK — Core. A Celebration of Noise ^
06 Aug - Newcastle, UK — Cluny 2 +
07 Aug - Birmingham, UK — The Flapper +
08 Aug - Norwich, UK — Voodoo Daddy’s +
15 Aug - Bristol, UK — ArcTanGent 2024 ^
16 Aug - Odense, DK — ILTER Festival ^
(* with The Fall of Troy and Hail The Sun, + headline date, ^ festival date)
