Reviewed on Apr 25, 2008 by Roel

Split records are cool. It’s been a while since I heard a good split record, but this disc featuring two Swedish bands and is being released by American label Warbird Entertainment is a good example why splits function as a perfect introduction to bands.

First up is Subwaste, a band reminding me a whole lot of that other Swedish band the Bombshell Rocks. Both bands play the same style of music, being rather catchy upbeat streetpunk with very dirty vocals. Nothing’s really groundbreaking here, but very catchy and danceable it is for sure. From the opening bouncy chords of the first track to “Barely eighteen” to their best song “Final blackout” with even some harmonizing going on there, Subwaste’s output remains on a constant high level.

Second up are Tommy Gustafsson & The Idiots. This band’s sound doesn’t stray much from Subwaste’s style, be it that Tommy Gustafsson have a more traditional rock ‘n roll or even rockabilly approach. That is not to say that these songs are in any way less powerful though: just listen to their song “The bombs”, which is just a good straightforward punk song with a nice solo in the bridge. I have a small problem with their song “Bring the rope” though. It sounds exactly like a song by another band. Unfortunately, I can’t quite put my finger on it and thus my accusations remain groundless for now. Tommy Gustafsson & The Idiots sound a little more diverse, but a little less fun than Subwaste, which basically makes their halves equal in quality.

Split’s are still a good introduction to two bands. The essential condition being that the style of both bands isn’t too different. Luckily both bands on here play the same kind of bouncy streetpunk with rock ‘n roll influences, be it that Tommy Gustafsson sounds a little more traditional. If I have to pick a favorite band I would still have to choose Subwaste for their uplifting sound and catchy chord progression. Both bands are pretty equal to each other on here though, making this a fun consistent split to listen to.

Related Links:

• www.warbirdentertainment.com
• www.subwaste.se
• www.myspace.com/tommygustavsso...
• www.myspace.com/subwaste

1. Barely Eighteen (Subwaste)
2. Stand, Fall & Die (Subwaste)
3. Twentyfour Seven Timebomb (Subwaste)
4. Final Blackout (Subwaste)
5. Under My Feet (Subwaste)
6. Red Lips, Red, Shoes (Subwaste)
7. Dead End Street (Tommy Gustafsson & The Idiots)
8. Black Cat City Blues (Tommy Gustafsson & The Idiots)
9. The Bombs (Tommy Gustafsson & The Idiots)
10. Bring The Rope (Tommy Gustafsson & The Idiots)
11. Love Of My Life (Tommy Gustafsson & The Idiots)
12. Sometimes Hell Is What We Need (Tommy Gustafsson & The Idiots)

Album Reviews

Split Feb 26, 2008