Conceived as three linked EPs, Mono No Aware allows Melbourne metalcore quartet Bad/Love to extend and vary its attack in exciting ways. That includes the gnashing, distorted electronics opening “Are You Ready?” before guitarist Lachlan Monty’s heavy riffing kicks in alongside vocalist Landon Kirk’s stark swing from a clean to growled approach. There’s more contrast to come, with the thundering throb of “Vultures” giving away to bright pop influences of “5AM” just a couple of tracks later. Earlier on, “Nothing to Lose” makes a strong case for nuance by setting shout-along vocals and intricate guitar melodies against a thrumming stack of layers. To say there’s a lot going on would be an understatement, yet Bad/Love more than holds our focus throughout. The band also flexes its radio-friendly emo chops with “Creature”—an anthemic run through darkly theatrical vocals and lyrics alike—before committing to a proper ballad immediately after with “Fade Away.” Delivering on the promise of Bad/Love’s 2022 debut Life Imitates Art, this three-part release maintains a high-impact volley while always keeping the melodies front and center.