Review by: Oli Saunders
I’ve reviewed releases from both Captain, Your Ship Is Sinking and Mio in the last year. Now the two combine to make up this split 12″. This is the product of five German labels that anyone into modern DIY emo / screamo should be keeping an eye on.
Both bands contribute two songs to the record. CYSIS continue their combination of melodic post-rock hardcore and black metal like vocals – it is a pretty unique sound for which they deserve credit. The songs have a similar quality to those on the band’s self titled LP so if you liked then then be sure to check this out. I’m not sure what else to say, it’s certainly a fine way to spend thirteen minutes without being spectacular. I imagine that these guys are pretty damn good live. I, for one, like to get into the build ups and slightly repetitive nature that post rock has to offer (and is furthermore enhanced when seeing a band live), whilst generally enjoying music that involves people screaming their heads off. I think a fair bit must be lost when then recording these songs and putting them on a piece of vinyl.
Mio play on the other side and their first song has a slow build up, before launching into the main part of the song. They match CYSIS very well – the instruments are a bit more driven and rockish whilst the vocals are still screamed but are a bit less harsh. Having said that, it gets very post-rock like on the second track. I like this but I just can’t feel I would enjoy it more if it wasn’t stretched out so much and they just played quickfire songs. Then again, that’s just me and I suppose that style of music has pretty much been done to death.
Overall, this is an enjoyable split that has plenty of things going for it. If you like any of the bands’ previous output or enjoy drawn out emo / screamo be sure to investigate.
Final comment: the artwork to this record freaks me out a little bit.