After 10 years since their last release, Grey Area returns with 2 new songs. They’ve brought along Go Rydell—the melodic-hardcore up-and-comers who are fresh off their well received debut album. Together they deliver a powerhouse, 5-track split.
Grey Area’s half has the band blistering through two melodic-hardcore, blended into pop-punk, tracks reminiscent of The Bouncing Souls mixed with Lifetime. The first track, “No Guarantees,” is heavy on the riffs and fast paced before a break down chock full of anthemic gang vocals. I would say that the next track, “Bliss,” is even stronger than the last. It doesn’t break the formula, but add more rhythm and emotion.
Go Rydell stick a little closer to the Kid Dynamite side of the Dan Yemin spectrum. “FOX and the Hounds” and “Not Cool, McCool” are short tracks, both under 50 seconds packed with aggression and melody. Fortunately, neither suffers from feeling too short. The final song, “Battery Park” is longer and adds more pop-punk elements while keeping its aggressive tone.
This 9 and half minute release is not something to ignore. Both bands have great songs to offer. However, I think I’m going to have to give the better half to Grey Area.
