Whether a record is really good or really bad, it can be very inspiring to write about. You can either go on about how "amazing" it is or stoop on how much it "sucks." But in between, there isn't much inspiration and writing about one of these types of records can be boring in itself. Such is the case with a split seven-inch with Souvenir's Young America and Spylacopa. It's not that it's good; it's not that it's bad; it's just kind of there.
The first side of the 7" features the Souvenir's Young America, a Richmond, Virginia combination of synth, drums and guitar. With their song, "The Towering Abyss," they reach for post-rockdom without ever achieving the dynamic quiet/loudness that makes the genre not stoop to boring. When a band is instrumental, the song writing needs to be powerful enough so you don't keep catching yourself getting lost in the ambience and finding the only way out to be the "off" button. Upon further inspection from the band's Myspace, they have a self-titled full length out with two songs up for listen. While the song on this 7" wallows about and sounds hollow and jamy, these two songs have a much brighter/full sound that makes for the perfect sequel to their demo. "The Towering Abyss" comes off as a b-side to the demo songs, which isn't very inviting.
How exciting does a combination of computer sounds, guitar and some background noises of kids playing at a playground sound? If you're anything like me, this setup is as exciting as sleeping while sleeping in a sleeping room. Spylacopa's "The Duke" isn't the kind of song that'll piss you off because it's so annoying/bad, but instead, just kind of rests in the background and makes you devoid of an opinion. Some of the acoustic guitar parts sound really pretty, but the overall mix with another guitar track laced in psychadelia bouncing all over the place ruins it.
If you're into Souvenir's Young America and Spylacopa, definitely check this split out. But if you haven't heard either of the bands, don't bother. The best choice would be to check out Souvenir's Young America full-length.
