The Firnats Create Cathartic, Introspective Post-Punk On New EP

Initially started as a project between two friends in Herndon, VA, The Firnats crafted their unique gloom-indie sound in the DMV’s hole-in-the-wall bars and DIY basements. The band has since grown from two members to five while establishing themselves in Richmond, VA. Kurtis Kunkel on drums and Griffin Low on bass has resulted in a rhythm section that both bolsters and weaves its way around Sean Flanagan’s vehement vocals and whimsical guitar riffs. Chris Castro’s errant guitar playing and Hapa Siuhengalu’s harmonious keys flirt between pervasive atmospheres and subtle melodies, rounding out the sound of the group. 

The Firnats 4th musical project Toward a Beacon, illuminates the evolution of the band’s music and presents a subtle shift away from previous work. Although the 50s doo-wop and 2000s indie influences remains on the EP, Toward a Beacon is discordant, unbashful, and ripe with post-punk tendencies. Lush instrumentals carry the listener from invigorating high points to trembling low points. Allegorical lyrics and a baritone voice paint portraits of a grim, yet hopeful, world. Toward a Beacon exudes a newfound maturity from the ever-evolving Firnats.   

“This EP speaks to me pretty personally. When I was a kid in Korea, I grew up in somewhat of a fanatical religious environment, where God was supposed to be the answer to everything. Exorcisms, speaking in tongues, and all-day worship sessions were pretty much a weekly thing for me. As I grew older and more agnostic I kind of thought, ‘Hey, maybe God isn’t what I’ve been told it is’. I think this EP draws a bit from those experiences. At the end of the day, no matter what they’ve gone through, human beings have this unique ability to create their own hope, and that’s how I think humanity has managed to survive. For me, hope is God, God is love, and love is ubiquitous. And that’s all that really matters.”

The Firnats have toured extensively up and down the east coast, spaced apart by two full-length album releases. Known for their ambitious live performances and DIY mentality, the band shows no signs of slowing down. 

“Lush instrumentals carry the listener from invigorating high points to trembling low points. Allegorical lyrics and a baritone voice paint portraits of a grim, yet hopeful, world. Toward a Beacon exudes a newfound maturity from the ever-evolving Firnats.”

New Noise Magazine

“With a sound that hovers between Bloc Party and The Killers, Virginia’s The Firnats is a band that’s here to stay.”

VENTS Magazine