Split releases are always a strange beast. Sometimes these joint efforts prove to be a fantastic fusion of styles and ideas, and sometimes they turn out to be a complete and utter mess. The latest UK bands to have a go at pairing up are Four Dumb Kids and Stop That Astronaut. This limited edition 7 inch split is released through The Anatomical Heart and showcases three songs from Four Dumb Kids, and two from Stop That Astronaut.
First up to the plate are Four Dumb Kids, a band that regular readers of punktastic will be familiar with. This band play a brand of melodic punk rock that isn’t a million miles away from Hot Water Music territory, especially with the gruff vocals. Kicking off with ‘All you needed was a sap to pin it on’, Four Dumb Kids rattle through three short and snappy songs. With knowing lyrics, great riffs and tight musicianship on each track, Four Dumb Kids pull of a very strong mini-set.
In complete contrast to the driving, rough sounds of Four Dumb Kids, Stop That Astronaut come across as a more angular post hardcore outfit. Think a poppier At The Drive In and you’ll be on the right lines. ‘Pepsi-Cola Texbook’ and ‘The First Hit Single’ are enjoyable, quirky affairs and both feature some astute social commentary.
The Four Dumb Kids and Stop That Astronaut split release is a great fusion of styles and ideas. Although, they’re a great distance apart in musical styles, the two bands have much in common in terms of talent and lyrical skill. It’s nice to see two UK bands make two contrasting sides of a 7inch release well worthy of purchase. There are only 300 copies of this available so get your grubby mitts on a copy as soon as you can…