Who in their right mind wouldn't want to purchase a 7" with a cover that folds out into the face of an elephant? That alone is worth the price of this split between two up and coming bands (on an up and coming label, I might add) boasting members who spent time in Light the Fuse and Run. Both Wow, Owls and The Setup do their part to remind people that emotional tinged hardcore is still relevant.
I listened to Wow, Owls first, mostly because they are the band that I've previously heard (and enjoyed). They play Level Plane style emotional hardcore, but a little slower. The two songs on here, "Hissy Fits and Temper Tantrums" and "Cole Hutchinson: 1982-2012," are on the slower side, but they both feature some great sing alongs at the end.
The Setup sound like The Hope Conspiracy brawling with a sludgey hardcore band. The drums of Gene Byard drive this band at a pace that forces you to uncontrollably throw your arms to the music. Guitarists David Cisco and Chris Kirby toss in some fine guitar parts that stick in your head. The three headed vocal attack (the two guitarists and bassist John Martin) add a nice touch. Though their side only features one song, it is a very impressive number.
Written by: RF
