The Sidekicks/Tigers Jaw – Split EP (Shout Out Loud Prints)
This split is the Sidekicks’ first release since 2008’s Weight of Air. This band is capable of hitting so many dynamics and styles in a single song that it’s almost unfair. In “Little James,” chugging guitars and a rock solid but laid-back drum beat carry us through most of the song before dropping away to almost nothing. The song builds back up with an insane ambient vocal harmony section that bursts into another driving beat. Matt Scheuermann’s backing vocals and guitar leads can’t be given enough credit for helping to shape this band’s sound. He brings a level of depth and musicianship to the group that few other punk bands can reach. Overall, their sound is pop-rock heaven, as they hit all the highs you could ask for but also know when to break it down before building you back up. A live rendition of this song might somewhat closely resemble Otis Day and the Knights sculpting the crowd to their liking when they perform “Shout” at a toga party.
The Sidekicks/Tigers Jaw – Split EP (Shout Out Loud Prints)
This split is the Sidekicks’ first release since 2008’s Weight of Air. This band is capable of hitting so many dynamics and styles in a single song that it’s almost unfair. In “Little James,” chugging guitars and a rock solid but laid-back drum beat carry us through most of the song before dropping away to almost nothing. The song builds back up with an insane ambient vocal harmony section that bursts into another driving beat. Matt Scheuermann’s backing vocals and guitar leads can’t be given enough credit for helping to shape this band’s sound. He brings a level of depth and musicianship to the group that few other punk bands can reach. Overall, their sound is pop-rock heaven, as they hit all the highs you could ask for but also know when to break it down before building you back up. A live rendition of this song might somewhat closely resemble Otis Day and the Knights sculpting the crowd to their liking when they perform “Shout” at a toga party.
The band’s second offering on this EP is a cover of Elvis Costello’s classic, “(The Angels Wanna Wear) My Red Shoes.” It’s a convincing cover, with Steve Ciolek’s vocals mirroring almost exactly the power and tone of Elvis Costello in the song’s original version, though the guitars on this recording are much thicker and more prominent than the original. I’d have loved to have another original on here, but the cover is a great tribute and a stellar demonstration of how accomplished these musicians are.
Tigers Jaw has two full-length albums out, but neither of those has impressed me the way this EP does. Their sound is muddier and more ambient than the Sidekicks, but it’s a nice contrast. The guitar and keyboard work on their side of the EP are much more impressive than either of the full-length recordings. “Jimmy Piersall” kicks off their side of the record with a steady and simple, two chord riff and monotone vocals that have been a signature element of their sound. Self-critical lyrics such as “I’ve come to know myself too well, I’ve come to know that scares me,” are a solid fit for the depressed tone of the vocals. Don’t let the apparent simplicity of the vocals fool you, though, there are tons of pop hooks and well written melodies cleverly tucked away throughout their two songs on this release.
“Boots n’ Hanks” closes out their side of the record, and when I first listened, fresh off of hearing the Sidekicks cover Elvis Costello, I thought maybe they had covered a Fugazi song. Turns out I was wrong, and the track is an original. Harmonies overlay the regular monotone vocals and calmly intricate guitar riffs help build the song to a distorted climax before reducing itself to the opening riff and finally coming to a crunching end.
This is one of the best EPs I’ve heard this year, and both bands have laid solid foundations to build upon already impressive catalogues. I look forward to hearing more from both of them.
