Springman records are coming of age, and this release definitely shows it. Being the label that got popular on their Punk Rock Strike compilation series, they are branching out as of late with releases from A Day At The Fair (ex-Lanemeyer), and now this split release between Kilowatthours and The Rum Diary. The former I knew nothing about before coming into this release, while the latter, I discovered entirely too late, leading to me omitting them from my Top 30 of 2003 for their last full length, Poisons That Save Lives.
Right off the start, I can tell you that the Kilowatthours side is definitely the downfall of this split. Their second song on the split, "King," is the most blatant Appleseed Cast knock-off in I've heard in some time. "Halos" is their best track on the split but can barely lift it's head above mediocrity for a breath while drowning in a sea of boring-ness.
This split isn't all bad. Oh no. The Rum Diary donate 4 solo tracks to this baby that are all top-notch and would have fit perfectly on Poisons That Save Lives. Their first song, "The Electroencephalograph," is a very percussive venture with chanting and power windows. They definitely picked the right song to start their part of the split to any new-comers who could learn of them from this record. "Memory Controls" is a mid-paced tune with a vocal melody that'll peak your interest immediately. "Poolside" is another mid-paced song with lush instrumentation and a chorus that is just to die for. "In Attempt to Reach the Shore" closes out The Rum Diary's side. It begins with a quiet sample that is backing an organ playing a single note before gracefully filling into the song itself. This is a very mellow song and the perfect way to close out this CD.
But wait. I am leaving off a song here, which would be the duet between both bands titled "{Ex}change". Rightfully so as the singing by Kilowatthours is absolutely horrendous and kills any sort of mood that is trying to be set.
Kilowatthours flopped while The Rum Diary passed through with shining colors. I'd really like to review this solely as an EP from The Rum Diary, but unfortunately this isn't the case (God it should have been). For Kilowatthours contribution, they earn a 3.0/10. The Rum Diary's contribution earns them an 8.6/10. This band is on to something and will hopefully be rewarded greatly for their efforts.
