Various Artists
Crybaby/Casual - Split EP
Secret Audio Club (2014)
I hate to simplify the role of the split 7”—they’re about way more than this, in truth—but one of the greatest purposes the split 7” plays is in introducing yourself to new bands. Most of the time, the pairings are based on similar sounds or friendships and it’s a good way to branch out and find new groups. This split from Casual and Crybaby is one such example. Having only a passing familiarity with Crybaby—I caught them at Fest 12 but didn’t pick anything up because I didn’t want to carry a 7” around all day—this record is really introducing two bands, both solid and well paired. Oh, and then there’s the whole “Wax Pack Series” idea: in short, customers buy a pack of 1, 5 or 10 7-inches in the series without knowing what’s included. The gimmick is to create a set, a la baseball cards. As a reviewer, though, I didn’t have to go through that hassle to get what I wanted. I just shot off an email.Crybaby are an intriguing group. They play mid-tempo punk influenced by the more emotional, Gainesville-type bands out there. The vocals are rough and raspy and it’s got a lot of guitar … Read more
Chad VanGaalen
Shrink Dust
Sub Pop (2014)
It’s 11 o’clock on a Saturday night. You’re lying in your bed, craving some late night music. You want something … Read more
The Trouble With Templeton
Rookie
Bella Union (2014)
All good stories need an emphatic storyteller to bring the characters to life. Beyond one dimensional storyboards where all film … Read more
La Dispute
Rooms Of The House
Better Living (2014)
La Dispute’s 2011 post-hardcore masterpiece Wildlife was not only the highlight release of that year, but one of the finest … Read more
