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I realised I'd reviewed Kevin Koi before as soon as the track started, but I had to remind myself of what impression they'd left, so I went back to my old review for What We're Meant To Be and remembered that I'd enjoyed it enough but also found it a little on the perplexing side. I'm happy to say off the bat that Firearm does not have this problem.

Like that other song, it's something of an 80s alternative throwback, but where What We're Meant To Be has its roots in darker post-punk stuff like Joy Division, this one feels closer to that other huge Mancunian band, The Smiths. It's the jangly guitar more than anything, as Kevin's voice have a personality of their own rather than channeling that problematic fave of mine.

It sounds great. It's very lofi, but not in a way that's in disservice to the song. The drums are punchy and the guitars are bright, and while the bass might be a little on the muddy side, it still provides this deep hum that underpins everything and gives it all a vibe. All this with Kevin's gruff vocals that ramble semi-tunefully over the top. I have no idea what he's saying for the most part, and it's a shame there's no lyrics on the page, but really I think there's enough in the performance that they could be jibberish and the meaning would still be conveyed.

It's a really good song, and I think works both as an interesting counterpoint to What We're Meant To Be while still being audibly the same artist. It's better, in my opinion. It's shorter, and catchier, and has a clear vision that's been well executed. I'd definitely recommend checking it out.