I don't like split releases. They annoy me because I would rather hear an EP by the two separate bands to digest it completely before I am being forced to listen to another band's output on the same disc. Also, you never hear anyone say that a split is their favorite record of all time because quite frankly splits just don't hold up to the test of time like a single band's album or EP does. Maybe it's just me but I think we could just do away with split releases all together. So I'm going to review a split just for a sense of irony.
Anchorage contributes the first five tracks on this CD and the first thing that grates on my nerves is vocals. He's a bit off-tune and tries to hit notes that Mariah Carey shouldn't even be striving for. It feels like he's always geared up to 10 when he belts out notes and would probably do a lot better if he just stayed around a 6 or 7. Anchorage's music itself is playful with enough hooks to fill a meat packing plant. The songs build, ebb, hit an upbeat tempo and peter out only to come back at you with another catchy part. It's entertaining to say the least and I catch myself bobbing in my chair from time to time. I can image a lot of people handclapping along at all the right parts. Anchorage then shoots themselves in their collective feet by slowing it down, which unfortunately showcases the singer's over-the-top whiny caterwaul. Ow, I just winced at a note held way too long and for no good reason. Stop it. Also, Anchorage, drop the slow songs altogether I'm drifting off into a coma. Keep it catchy and keep it fun because that's where your strengths lie. When you go for slow and bore, the singer's voice just overpowers everything and if I had dogs they'd be whimpered right now.
Aw there's a cute little piano part before track six to serve as an interlude between bands. I got to say, that's nice touch.
Lies in the Effort also have whiny annoying vocals but in that cute Chris Connelly from Saves the Day way. Lies in the Effort are even more upbeat and ripe for MTV2/Fuse success. Sixteen year old girls must dampen their panties for this band on a Sunday night all ages shows at the Triple Rock in Minneapolis. I could easily see Lies in the Effort inking a deal with Equal Vision Records or maybe if they are the soul-selling type they might even get contract with Drive-Thru Records. "Boy Yo Mama Dresses You Funny" is ungodly catchy track with handclaps and a hook that could snag Moby Dick. It even made me giggle and I never giggle. Ever. Not even at baby smiles and puppies. Lies in the Effort also contribute a few slower tunes which once again don't make me a happy camper but they don't cause me to slip off into dreamy land either. I can't believe how well these songs are put together because all the members are between the ages of 15 and 17. And yet they can write a pop-punk tune that could demolish any Warped Tour act. Seriously, remember when you'd see a high school band and all their songs sounded like fifth generation Green Day and Nirvana cover tunes? Things have changed.
So yeah, Lies in the Effort steals the splits here with being cute, young, and energetic and knowing how to write a catchy song. Anchorage had some highpoints too with the guitar interplay and tight drumming. However the singer made it hard to listen to when they went for the slow. And yes, I still don't like splits.
