Turncoat’s IRIS: A Gritty, Genre-Bending Gem from Japan
Released in 2015 under the labels Mostoff and Waterslide Records, Turncoat’s IRIS is a wild ride through the crossroads of Pop/Rock, Punk, and Emo. With its roots firmly planted in Japan’s vibrant alternative scene, this album doesn’t just stick to one lane—it swerves between Alternative/Indie Rock, Pop Punk, and even hints of Alternative Pop/Rock. It’s messy in all the right ways, like a mixtape your coolest friend made for you back in high school.
Two tracks that really stuck with me are “Deep Blue” and their cover of Jawbreaker’s “Want.” Let’s break it down.
“Deep Blue” hits hard right outta the gate. The opening riff grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go. There’s something about the raw energy here—it’s not overly polished, which works perfectly for the vibe they’re going for. The vocals have this strained, almost desperate edge to them, like they’re screaming into the void but making sure you hear every word. It’s catchy as hell without feeling forced, and the lyrics linger long after the song ends. I found myself humming it days later, which is always a good sign.
Then there’s “Want (Jawbreaker Cover).” Jawbreaker fans might raise an eyebrow at first—covering a classic is no small task—but Turncoat pulls it off with style. They don’t try to outdo the original; instead, they infuse it with their own punky grit. The guitar work feels sharper, more jagged, and the pace is amped up just enough to give it new life. Covers can feel lazy if done wrong, but this one feels like a love letter to Jawbreaker while still being unmistakably Turncoat.
One thing worth noting is how cohesive yet unpredictable IRIS feels. Tracks like “Swim In A Dream” and “Take Back the Secret” bring variety without losing the thread. You get moments of introspection alongside bursts of pure adrenaline. And yeah, having two versions of “Want” on the tracklist might seem odd, but hey, maybe it’s intentional? Like they couldn’t decide which take was better and figured, why not both?
What struck me most about IRIS is how unapologetically human it feels. These aren’t perfect songs—they’re real ones. They stumble, they shout, they wear their hearts on their sleeves. In a world where so much music feels engineered for playlists, IRIS reminds us what it’s like to connect with something raw and alive.
Unexpectedly, listening to this album made me think about skateboarding. Not because it sounds skater-y, but because it has that same reckless abandon—like flying downhill, not sure if you’ll crash or nail the landing. Either way, it’s exhilarating. If you’re into bands like Jawbreaker or early emo/punk acts, do yourself a favor and check out Turncoat’s IRIS. Just don’t blame me if you end up playing “Deep Blue” on repeat for days.
