Six songs a bit shy of 12 minutes, it’s the new split EP from Time X Heist and Without Love. They didn’t waste any time so why should we? Let’s get into it.
Time X Heist, a straight edge band hailing from Colorado, take the first half of the album with an optimistic, but gritty, intensity. Opener ‘Keep On Fighting’ manages an instrumental introduction and ripping guitar break despite its short runtime. Gang vocals run rampant as their message solidifies- we’ve come too far to turn back now. ‘It’s Never Too Late’ jumps straight to the action with a bludgeoning bassline. The band’s vocals hit their peak on the song’s bridge, barking and preaching about staying true to yourself. The most melodic offering by Time X Heist on the split is ‘My Better Half’. The two minute dirge about risk, reward and unrelenting optimism is framed by waves of lush guitar and steady bass. A frantic guitar solo is held down by meticulous drums that still sound fresh and loose. Time X Heist wraps up their side as they started it- unafraid and steeped in idealism. If this all feels a bit earnest for you, crank things up, because it’s time for Without Love.
Without Love, a melodic hardcore band from the North of England, kick off their side of the split with Rikki Vanderpol of Dying For It. The title ‘Worthless’ immediately signifies a change in tone as the band sings about the end of civilization with the accompaniment of heavy guitars and growling vocals. Moody power chords strike out on ‘Chosen Few’ before diving into snarling lyrics about privilege and wealth disparity. To say the drums are hammering here would be an understatement. While the low end may be unrelenting the rest of the band still makes themselves heard. The guitar stays simple but effective, weaving together the vocals and drums. Album closer ‘Redemption’ toes the line between destruction and, well, redemption. Guitar takes centre stage as the drums and bass dial back. The vocals on this track are particularly well done and will scratch any hardcore itch you have. While the song leaves you unsure if redemption is possible it does keep your heart rate up and ears ringing. If all this doom and gloom starts to weigh on your mind just press play and wait for the split to fire back up with Time X Heist.
Earnestness and pessimism balance each other out nicely. One without the other would ring hollow and, after a few tracks, fairly boring. Time X Heist and Without Love play off one another naturally and amplify each other’s sound. The split sounds cohesive but remains original. Time X Heist and Without Love work together well on a split but I’d like to see more variation within each band’s songs (I do understand that’s a tall order for a small selection of tracks). Although their ethos’s differ both bands are searingly talented; keep an eye out for the next releases from Time X Heist and Without Love.
