ARTICLE JUMP
Split releases are dubious in nature at times. Familiarity with one band is always good but one might feel cheated by the unfamiliar partner. This year had good splits done right, good splits done wrong, and bad splits saved by good bands.
- Envy / Jesu (Hydra Head/ Daymare)
- Battle of Mice / Jesu (Robotic Empire)
- Envy / Thursday (Temporary Residence Limited)
- Tribes of Neurot / Earth (Neurot)
- Trap Them / Extreme Noise Terror (Deathwish Inc.)
Yes, I have had an unhealthy fixation with Jesu for more than three years now, but this fact has no bearing on the quality of this album. The Envy side alone is quite excellent and brings new sounds out for the band. The Jesu side is a bit of treading water, but I am not complaining. This split contains quality music from two excellent outfits, which really makes this worth one's time and effort, even though this has not been officially released here in the United States.
Yes yes, another Jesu release, and at the risk of sounding like I am apologizing for liking them/him, this release surprised me with Battle of Mice. I kind of enjoyed their full-length but never really became obsessive about it in any way. But their two songs on this split are quite excellent and certainly gave me a new appreciation for what they are capable of doing. The Jesu side contains two quality tracks, but in all honesty, I am dying for Broadrick to wow me again.
The packaging for this is excellent and is a great addition to anyone's Envy collection. I really should not be including this split on this list because in my mind it is a one sided EP, but oh well. The Envy songs are excellent.
Seriously, Earth and Tribes of Neurot -the alter ego of Neurosis - on the same piece of vinyl. Sign me up.
Talk about an underrated pairing, Extreme Noise Terror are masters at their sound and consistently crush people while Trap Them are quickly becoming known for similar type qualities. This 7" works better than I thought it would and listening to it completely won me over on the concept. Although it is super short, this split has more oomph in it than entire albums by most bands.
(Bob)
