Minutely peculiar story connected with this release – I had learned that it was coming out via the Skylab message boards, so e-mailed the label to see if I could get some for distro. That very same day, the label had already put a copy of this record in the post for me, and later a note arrived with that record enquiring as to whether I would be interested in distro-ing. I thought that was kind of neat.
Anyway, these are two quite contrasting bands. Turn Around Norman play explosive emo styled stuff. Dual vocalled boy+girl scream/shouts, which come across in a very similar way to that of Shroomunion. Musically they are fast and melodic, bringing together the likes of Yaphet Kotto and Roosevelts Inaugural Parade, rocking away over these two tracks in highly enjoyable fashion. They also go in for personal/political lyrics that are easily understood – which makes the lyric sheet doubly worth reading.
I have not heard of Choke Their Rivers With Our Dead, but after a couple of listens I was appreciating what they were on to. It’s pretty straight forward screamo stuff, with heavy guitars and hoarse vocals. It has a lot in common with bands like Joshua Fit For Battle and Neil Perry, so if you are into that screamo which has the metal influence you will appreciate this. I am almost getting burned out on this style, and it’s very generic, but they do a real good job of it so I give it the high five. Ace sample at the end too.
Can’t let this pass without a comment on the packaging – it’s gorgeous! The design is screened onto reflective silver card, and the record itself is white vinyl. Top work folks! Rounds out a very decent record.