Review Summary: The guy from Teen Wolf has a badass pop punk band?
Lost In Kostko are an up and coming pop punk band fronted by Tyler Posey of Teen Wolf fame whose debut EP You're Going To Need A Towel breathes life into a stagnant genre. You're Going To Need A Towel is a fun and endearing ride that stays closely to the pop punk label without sounding derivative.
Composed of lead singer/rhythm guitarist Tyler Posey, lead guitarist Wilfredo Ramirez, and rhythm section Alex Gertsch and Jeremy Bauer on drums and bass respectively .Lead guitarist Wilfredo Ramirez lays down very post-hardcore influenced riffs that really separate Lost In Kostko from the rest of the pack. Lead singer Tyler Posey has a very emotional and sincere sounding voice that perfectly captures the feelings of the relatable lyrics. You're Going To Need A Towel is ripe with catchy hooks and a focused and serious tone that makes for an excellent album. Jeremy, the band's bassist, lays down a solid rhythm track with a few bass fills thrown into the mix. Alex's drums keep the beat very well without drawing too much attention away from the main melody. Wilfredo's backing vocals complement Tyler's well and add an extra dynamic as he sings both lower and higher than Tyler in different parts of the EP.
When it comes down to it, Lost In Kostko's greatest attribute is solid songwriting. This isn't your typical three chord affair. The songwriting is varied and very riff based. With the first five songs being hard rocking guitar based tracks, and the three last tracks being acoustic ballads, Lost In Kostko show their talent for catchiness and variety. You're Going To Need A Towel is chock full of upbeat and fun melodies while still retaining serious lyrics. Lost In Kostko write about heavy subjects while still retaining a bright and optimistic message, with song topics ranging from gratitude, dealing with new found fame and love and loss.
The eight songs on the EP have varying tones and themes, while still containing a similar message of optimism. Somebody starts the album off strong with a dual guitar octave chord attack and pounding drums that sets the stage for the rest of the album. Dexter has a much darker tone than the rest of the album with lyrics inspired by the television show Dexter. Dexter is the most post-hardcore influenced song on the album. Dexter has a big chorus, trade off vocals and catchy riffs that make for a very dynamic song.
The last three tracks are acoustic containing only acoustic guitar, piano, vocals and shakers. They have a very somber cold feel and are a nice change of pace from the upbeat tracks. Night starts off slow and gradually builds up for an intense and emotional finish to the song. Save It For Tomorrow is the most piano driven song with the piano adding a nice new texture to an already dynamic sound. The final track Separate Ways ends the album on a high note with it's warm guitar sound and heartwarming lyrics.
You're Going To Need A Towel is an entertaining yet deep record that has Lost In Kostko showing their true potential to grow. Their debut EP is just a taste of what is to come for a very talented and up and coming band.
