Split releases are a great way for bands to promote their music in locations they might not be able to travel to for shows. This split from Own Our Own, Under One Flag, and Your Mistake is a prime example of why. Here you have three bands playing different variations of hardcore music from three different areas - Florida, Ohio, and Texas respectively. But unlike many lopsided split releases that I have heard in the past, each band's contributions on this album are worth checking out.
On Our Own kicks things off with a nice intro track and declare that these bands are "keeping hardcore underground," which is right where it belongs. The band jumps right into things with their first song "All I've Got," which picks up right where they left off from their previous full-length on Perfect Victim Records. The band leans towards playing metallic hardcore but they also throw in a little bit of mosh with nice breakdown towards the end of the song. "Letter of Resignation" loses the "mosh-core" and takes on the fast-paced and straight forward hardcore styling of a Ringworm. For their final track the band chose to revisit the song "Don't Leave a Paper Trail," which was one of my favorites from their 2003 demo. Lyrically, Carlos is one upfront individual, speaking his mind openly and rather candidly about how the hardcore scene is being plagued by those that don't truly appreciate or understand what it is about.
Next up we've got Under One Flag hailing from the heartland of America - Columbus, Ohio. Under One Flag's sound borrows heavily from old-school hardcore. In fact their three songs would be better compared to bands like Bad Brains and Warzone as opposed to any of today's hardcore flavors of the week. The song "Ours First" is a blazingly fast-paced hardcore gem that clocks in at under a minute. Remember those days? For their last song, "C.C.H.C." they pay homage to their local scene with some catchy lyrics great for singing along. I definitely get a Pitboss vibe from these guys, which is pretty fitting considering they have a few members in their ranks. But if you're looking for comedic lyrics of Pitboss, you're better off with John Lockjaw's new project - PC Deathsquad.
Closing things out is one of Texas' lesser known hardcore bands, Your Mistake. Their lack of fame is not because they're not as good as their better known brethren in Pride Kills or Will to Live, but solely based on the fact that they never play shows. "Knocked the Fuck Out" is my favorite song off the entire split - the lyrics are in your face and the music is the musical equivalent of the words "set it off." The band keeps on shredding, "Wage Slave" has a definite NYHC vibe to it - I hear some Cro-Mags and Sheer Terror in there. Like I said, don't mistake their lack of playing out for a lack of skill. The band closes out the record with the song "Keep it Strong," during which vocalist Parrot spouts "we've been doing this shit for years / blood, sweat, and no tears." I couldn't think of a better way to describe the true essence of hardcore. Now if we could only get a little bit of that ethic into booking an out of Texas show.
On a personal note I must say that I love the artwork that was chosen for the split. King Kong is a great film, not to mention that burly ape portrays this style of hardcore dead on. I could totally see him floor-stomping and punching the hell out of people, cars, and buildings Rampage (NES dorks know what's up!) style to this record.
I only have two minor issues with the split. First off, the recording quality is kind of varied throughout - thus I found myself raising and lowering the volume depending on which band I was listening to. Secondly the length is rather short and that definitely left me desiring more. But I supposed that's the point of this release, to tide us over until the next releases from each of the bands become available.
