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I first heard Sinaloa at an Off Minor show in a now closed down loft show in the Olneyville section of Providence, RI. I liked their style of emotional spastic hardcore, and I found their music to be very thoughtful and interesting. I'm pretty sure I bought a CD, but I'm also pretty sure I didn't listen to it all that much after that. Despite that, I still was excited when I found this on sale at Newbury Comics, and happily bought it.
With only one track from each band on this split, there isn't much of an opportunity for either band to make a second impression. Luckily, both bands completely nail their song, turning me into a fan (or remaining one) of their music. Sinaloa sticks to the intricate emotional hardcore that kind of sounds like something off of Fair Trades and Fair Wells by Hot Cross, which is never a bad style. They keep things artsy and lay down a really cool groove. Plus, the song, "Montgomery Express," is about a jazz band from Florida with two blind band leaders. The lyrics are all internal feelings from the point of view of a blind person, which is really thought provoking. The line, "I can feel music in my soul," rings very true, whether the listener is blind or not.
Life at These Speeds are a bit quieter, but also very groove oriented. They sort of have a Fugazi feel, and are very laid back. The cool thing about this band is that they are able to use, at one time or another, the guitar, bass or drums to drive the music. All three instruments lay down their own groove at times, and they all work really well.
I'd like to hear more songs on this split, but other than my own greed for music, I have no complaints at all with this split. Both bands are up and coming and are very good at what they do.
Written by: RF