Review / 200 Words Or Less
Counting the Days / Hollywood
Split

State of Mind (2008) Michael

Counting the Days / Hollywood – Split cover artwork
Counting the Days / Hollywood – Split — State of Mind, 2008

Counting the Days is back with two new tracks following an LP release in 2006. These songs are very much in line with their previous ventures. They mix melodic hardcore of Champion and Reach the Sky with the faster style of American Nightmare. "Tonight" is the better of the two tracks. The songs should provide a holdover until the band's next full-length.

The flip side of the split features Hollywood, who actually will play their final show this month. The band contributes an original and a cover. "Wastelands" is a rock-driven hardcore tune but the lyrics to it are rather cringe-worthy. They follow it up with a cover of The Beatles "Helter Skelter." Now, I grew up listening to The Beatles, as my mother was a fan, so I was skeptical. And with good reason; this cover is not good.

Counting the Days continues to churn out good tunes while the impending breakup of Hollywood isn't going to leave me awake at night, especially after hearing these tunes.

6.0 / 10Michael • July 6, 2008

Counting the Days / Hollywood – Split cover artwork
Counting the Days / Hollywood – Split — State of Mind, 2008

Recently-posted album reviews

Silver Proof

Even If It Hurts
Independent (2026)

Some pop punk records feel made for playlists and algorithms. They’re polished into oblivion, emotionally vague, and afraid to get messy. Silver Proof clearly didn’t get that memo. The Buffalo trio’s debut full length, Even If It Hurts, leans heavily into the emotional core of early 2010s emo pop and melody while still sounding energized rather than nostalgic. Across the … Read more

Lice (Aesop Rock & Homeboy Sandman)

Vol. 4: Miami Lice
Rhymesayers (2026)

This EP released kind of suddenly, back in March, right before a bunch of stuff hit the fan in my life outside of SPB. Which means the EP felt sudden, but this review has been stewing for nearly three months with a lot of repeat listening along the journey. At eight songs in length, it's short but sweet, and as … Read more

Various Artists

There Is No Sun - A Tribute To Jay Reatard
Sonic Church (2026)

The late, great Jay Reatard was a prolific master of rock n roll gems. Whether it be with his earlier budget-punk act of his namesake, Reatards, his synth-punk projects Lost Sounds and Angry Angles, or his solo material as Jay Reatard, Jimmy Lee Lindsey Jr. was an incredible songwriter. Those aforementioned bands are just a smattering of units he’s been … Read more