Just over a month ago Young///Savage and Astronomical released their six track split EP. Post-punk Texans Young///Savage start off the party with "The City That Sleeps" which opens with marching band-esque drumming and high key guitaring. The tune immediately sinks it's teeth in then speeds up, making way for throaty vocals and audible desperation befitting the lyrics. The 1.30 mark unleashes an instrumental breakdown with epic stumbling guitars running wild and ending the song on a last tortured slur, leaving the music to stutter out.
From the first lull of the gentle guitar on "Gulf Of Mexico" I knew this was the goosebump track and more than likely to be my favourite of Young//Savage's three. There's no sugar coating anything; "I pop pills to make life easier to deal with, and I pay bills to ensure i've got a home to sleep in," is sung in ominous tones. The versatility is stunning, going from a grungy rawness to something more... I want to say accessible, almost. Intricate guitars knot together and work with and against the drums and bass each allowing the other to take the stage when needed and never over stepping the vocals. It truly is a hauntingly beautiful addition to their repertoire.
Their final track "Oh, I Don't Care" reverts back to the hectic mish-mash - in a good way - of clashing instrumentals and rough yells. Again, the lyrics are brutally honest and relatable, scratching at the very hopelessness we bury deep in our brains.
The first of Astronomical's tracks "A New Mold" opens with jollier guitaring than that of Young//Savage. A slight pause and they come together full band with drawn out - not whiny - vocals. The music is light and by the second half you'll find yourself humming along.
For the first time on the EP a song begins acapella on "Burning Bridges" before that infectious music bounces in. The song questions something everyone has at some point in their lives; "another friend i've lost. Is it me? My personality?" and if you haven't asked yourself this yet, you just wait - and keep this song in mind for when it does happen as you'll be wanting to hit the replay button over and over, especially as it's partnered with a pleasing mix of gritty edged and clean vocals. The long sessions of soft swirly Transit like music help too.
The final, final track "Better Man" is Astronomical's goosebump song. The opener guitar note that fazes itself in gradually gaining volume is lush enough on it's own - i'm actually convinced the first 20 seconds is one of the nicest sounding pieces of music i've heard - and then combined with equally momentous lyrics, that vocal delivery and harmonies the song is nothing but divine.
The two bands have clearly thought long and well over their contributions and made an EP that has stood out for me. Out of all the new music i've heard this year this has definitely been one of my favourite EP's - and i've heard a lot. Where Young///Savage's lyrics were hopeless "i'll just sit here in my underwear watching re-runs on my flat screen television," Astronomical seem let out their anger but attach a hopeful note "you'll never change so i'll just let go and cast new mold. Refill this hole, make some new goals." Pessimist Vs Optimist. It actually makes for perfect pissed off music - you can mope to the first half of the EP then try and move on from whatever/whoever. Despite these differences, however, the two go together perfectly so get on with it and do yourself a favour and download the split ASAP!
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