The Caulfield Cult / Godard – ‘Split’

By Tom Connick

Singapore and the Isle of Wight may be almost 7,000 miles apart geographically but this split – released on Don’t Shoot The Messenger in the UK and Shivery Productions in Germany, and mastered in the USA by John Naclerio – demonstrates how easy it is in this connected age for such global collaborations to happen.

Both bands formed in 2011 and have solid back catalogues behind them, with Godard having previously released two EPs of their own whilst featuring on two other splits, and The Caulfield Cult having an EP, two full lengths and a split with Up And Atom to their name.

The Caulfield Cult would probably be the first to admit that their style owes a lot to gruff and slightly sloppy melodic punk bands, and their half of this split is a solid and decent (if initially simplistic) listen. ‘Seagulls Over Me’ feels like a frustrating half-song as it never develops beyond its build up, but thankfully ‘Dead Inside’ is much better and wastes little time getting to its anthemic chorus. ‘Art School’ is yet another improvement and also the most lyrically accomplished of their songs.

They lead seamlessly into the tracks by Godard, which whilst sharing musical similarities, are faster and possess more energy, recalling ‘Can’t Slow Down’ era Saves The Day. The vocals are much less forced and the melodies more memorable. ‘Chalk Bones’ is, quite simply, a short, sharp injection of melodic punk fun. Meanwhile, ‘Valparaiso’ is tailor made for sing-alongs, and ‘Misery Guts’ features excellent vocal harmonies throughout and a real fists-in-the-air ending which brings the EP to a great close.

This split EP is an excellent example of how to get the best from the format and demonstrates what can be achieved with such a collaborative approach to recording and releasing. The Caulfield Cult and Godard will soon be embarking on a UK and European tour during May and June and this split record is a perfect appetiser of what to expect in a live setting.

CHRIS HILSON

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