Splits, The
Ii
The Splits and their new LP defy easy classification. They are the kind of band that can be well received at hardcore fests, and then turn around and go on tour with garagepunk bands. There are definite dark undertones and a slight post-punk influence to their music and lyrics, but this is still far more aggressive and stripped down than the sounds of the currently fashionable goth-revival thing. The band lists some of their favorites as Poison Idea, Testors, Dead Moon, Pagans, Wipers, Marked Men, and Varuas, all of which make sense after listening to the album. (They also want you to know that they like beer, hamburgers, cats, and bicycles, which proves they are good people!) Think of the dark, driving sounds of the bands born of American Pacific Northwest winters, mixed with the trashy rock n roll sensibilities of Memphis, along with an abiding love of obscure 70s punk.