Review
Mouthbreather / Enviornmental Youth Crunch
Split

Rorschach (2009) Loren

Mouthbreather / Enviornmental Youth Crunch – Split cover artwork
Mouthbreather / Enviornmental Youth Crunch – Split — Rorschach, 2009

There's a lot to say about this split. First, it features one great name (Mouthbreather) and one lesser one (Environmental Youth Crunch). What strikes me second is the contrast in band styles, though I'll elaborate on this later. And, third, that it's such a solid release with five songs - it's an EP, not a single.

First on the record is Mouthbreather. They play melodic hardcore that walks the line between street punk and thrash. John Martin has a big lung, posturing feel to his screams and the songs flow well, building energy and then dropping the tempo back down every so often for the pit stompers to catch their breath. The thrash influence lies underneath the more structural elements to their songs. Good stuff, meant to be played loud.

As for Environmental Youth Crunch, they play poppier music that is a strange pairing with the heavier Mouthbreather. EYC play something similar to your run of the mill Plan-It-X bands. It's pop punk with jagged guitars, sloppy vocals, and incredible brevity. They pack three songs on their side with plenty of room to spare. I'm intrigued, but I'd like to see them work the melodies into something a little longer, since the 0:28 "Leap Year" stands out as their best song. The 1:50 "Slow Jamb" is, indeed, their longest song and it actually feels long in comparison with the other songs.

As a nice change, the lyrics are printed on the inside of the cardboard sleeve instead of as an insert.

7.1 / 10Loren • February 1, 2010

Mouthbreather / Enviornmental Youth Crunch – Split cover artwork
Mouthbreather / Enviornmental Youth Crunch – Split — Rorschach, 2009

Recently-posted album reviews

Middle-Aged Queers

Theatre of Shame
Engineer Records, Sell The Heart Records (2025)

Theatre Of Shame is the third LP from Bay Area band Middle-Aged Queers, a band whose moniker definitely gives away the plot. The band celebrates community with party punk songs like "Glizzies Banging" and "Pajama Party," but it also has pointed political commentary about the dangers of a bigoted society. In equal parts, Theatre Of Shame is about celebration and … Read more

Sleep Pod Two

Rehearse Your Future
Mindpower Records (2025)

You can always tell when a band contains seasoned musicians. They give off a different aura through their music and it sounds complete. It just meshes better. The songwriting is well done, the vocal melodies are catchy, and the transitions from verses, choruses, and bridges are complex but accessible. That is the case with this band. Let me introduce you … Read more

The World Is A Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid To Die

Dreams of Being Dust
Epitaph (2025)

I’m instantly drawn to bands that have intriguing or long names. Without even listening to the first note of the band, I know it’s going to be pushing the boundaries of normalcy in music. Which is why it should be no surprise that TWIABP, in certain spots through this album, remind me of the band ...And You Will Know Us … Read more