The glorious split 7" - how I love thee. What's this? Two bands from opposite sides of the Atlantic? Even better! There is something strangely comforting in knowing that two bands that are separated by thousands of miles of ocean can found a place together on a slim piece of wax.
The Wonder Years return with two brand new songs. Picking up where they left off on their previous 7", The Wonder Years continue to fuse upbeat pop-punk and melodic hardcore into one. They band's songwriting continues to improve, finally finding a way to incorporate those 80's snyths/keys in a fashion that isn't obnoxious. This is their best stuff to date and I feel their next full-length is the release to break things open.
All or Nothing is new to me, but sometimes new is good. These British rockers unleash two songs of fast-paced melodic hardcore in the vein of Reach the Sky, but with a bit more melody in the vocal delivery. The music is fun and the vocals are quite enamoring. Overall, this is quality music with lots of potential. Check it out if you can't wait for the new Strike Anywhere any longer...
Two young bands show signs of great things to come on this split 7". If you appreciate pop-punk or melodic hardcore you should invest in a copy of Distances.