This split cd ep series started off with a clash of titans match between GOOD RIDDANCE and KILL YOUR IDOLS, and even with those said expectations reaching far heights, the second installment in this series is even more epic. The first two ALKALINE TRIO songs are brand spankin’ new and in the vein of what was placed on “From Here till Infirmary.” The first tune, “Queen of Pain,” is stunning in its dark, brooding atmosphere, and length, at nearly four minutes long. The second track, “While You’re Waiting,” was a tad more formulaic, but strong nonetheless. As widely reported, each band did a cover or two of the other band’s work, and A3 chose to dismantle the crowd pleaser, “Rooftops.” Hmm…although calling it a butchering wouldn’t be really appropriate, I’ll stick to my HOT WATER MUSIC version. Speaking of those guys, HWM display four songs, two of which are new, and two of which belong to the ‘TRIO. “God Deciding,” and “Russian Roulette” are the new ones and they are two of their best songs to date, eclipsing everything on their Epitaph debut, and more in the vein of their work on “No Division.” Driving rhythms, anthemic vocals, and bass lines to die for, these guys are so talented, it’s scary. HOT WATER MUSIC are destroy their partners in the “quality of covers,” competition, turning ALKALINE TRIO’s “Radio,” into an even more somber piece of work, and translating “Bleeder” into a mutation wholly unto itself. With this disc clocking in at 23 minutes, and sportin’ a low-price, this should place nicely on your “must buy” list if you care for either of these two great bands.

Jade Tree

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