Landlocked and Bays: 'Splitnificant Other'

This new split from Manchester (UK) band Bays and Missouri (USA) band Landlocked is awesome. There are always new bands popping up everywhere, some are not as good as others but ‘Splitnificant Other’ has two decent bands playing quality hardcore. I have not listened to a split record in a while so I was pleasantly surprised when I gave this a listen, it’s definitely a winner and as they are offering the link to these tracks for free it’s a bonus. These are two recent bands and have recorded two songs each for this release so make sure you check it out. 

First two tracks kick off with Landlocked showing an angry and aggressive sound that everyone loves to hear. The song ‘Simple Requests’ sets the pace of the record and has a harsh sound to it. The crushing guitar sounds capture an energetic but sort of D-Beat sound, which I think is a very promising sound. This band deserves a lot of support as everything they have recorded and released has been completely funded from their own pockets. They have a great dedication to the music they play and this is shown through the songs. Also be sure to check out their EP ‘From a New Perspective’ and their 2009 Demo.

Bays two songs add a more metal/hardcore sound to the split and are definitely worth the listen. The UK scene is still going fairly strong and this Manchester based band will certainly not disappoint. There are only two songs but you can tell they are played from the heart and straight to the point. Although the sound of the instruments and riffs are very generic it does work in favour for Bays. ‘Reality of Death’ and ‘Foundations Hollow’ contains a much crisper sound, opposed to their earlier demo and brings a more mature sound for this band. If you enjoy these songs then you should check out their Demo and their EP ‘Immovable.’ 

My only proper complaint is that there are only two songs by each band (I was hoping for a little more.) Nice Limp Bizkit rip off of the artwork and release name as well. These are both promising bands so don’t you dare sleep on this.

At the Old Blue Last Tonight

Vice and All the Way Alive Records are presenting a free show tonight in East London. If you happen to be about then don't miss out on this!

Handguns: 'Dont Bite Your Tongue'

‘Don’t Bite Your Tongue’ is the second EP release from Handguns, a Pop Punk band from Pennsylvania. This record takes a slightly different approach to the usual positive outlooks but instead reflects on the basis that we shouldn’t bother to stand up for ourselves as it is simply a waste of time. These 7 tracks might not be to your taste but I found myself enjoying them.

I still cannot decide if it has topped their last release ‘Anywhere but Home’ but it is still within the Handguns sound. With fast paced and fun songs, this is everything that you can expect from a good quality Pop Punk band. Forget all the breakdowns, screams and other hardcore influences for a second and just remember what it should sound like. This record is simply what a band consists of, vocals, guitar chords, a bass and some catchy drums, nothing special but it works perfectly. The sound from this EP reminds me of when I was in my early teens and will have you jumping for joy at every listen.

Their previous release was made completely independently and reflected upon their ‘living for the moment’ attitude and a couple of years down the line and they have come quite far as this is released through Pure Noise Entertainment. Most of the topics covered are typical for this genre, talking about the past youth times, looking for better times and of course love. These topics have been written to death but to be honest who cares, to me it makes a successful pop punk record.

I’m pretty sure this will be a successful release and will please the ever hungry pop punk fans. The audience this record attracts are already used to this sort of sound and will definitely be influential to new listeners. All in all a quality EP.