Split releases are usually reserved for maybe four tracks, often to showcase a couple of bands and to leave you wanting more. On this record, however, we are treated to a total of thirteen tracks across two bands, and ‘It’s Always Nice To See You’ gives you a proper chance to digest both Kind Of Like Spitting and Warren Franklin And The Founding Fathers in all their glory.
Both bands share a similar style and have been staples of the underground indie rock scene for some time. So with this split album, Topshelf Records are bringing them both to a wider audience, as they join one of the most impressive label rosters in modern music today.
First up are Kind Of Like Spitting, who have been active for the best part of twenty years. Their contribution to this split sees primary songwriter Ben Barnett returning with a new line up after putting the band on hold nearly a decade ago. The production across their half of the record is somewhat sharp on the ear, but is irrelevant when it is cloaked by Barnett’s incomparable song writing and playing ability.
They flit between fragile acoustic moments on ‘Parasite Song 1’ to the raucous bummer punk of ‘Stress Cadet’ with dexterity, although at times it can feel a little bit disjointed. There are distinct hues of classic emo in Kind Of Like Spitting’s sound, as displayed on ‘Audience Of Two’, which may not be particularly original, but is well executed. Their crowning glory comes in the shape of an infectious cover of Elvis Costello’s ‘(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding’ that they truly make their own.
Next up are Warren Franklin And The Founding Fathers, who aim for a less angular sound than Kind Of Like Spitting, and given they are from Rockford, Illinois, they wear their Midwestern emo influences proudly on their sleeves. ‘How I Felt When I Met You’, and ‘Lonely Enough’ gloriously shimmer along in a similar vein to the early work of fellow Illinois natives Braid, and anyone who has followed this scene will know exactly what to expect.
They don’t need to deviate from their path across their half ‘Its Always Nice To Meet You’ – although it’s not a groundbreaking sound, it’s enjoyable throughout, particularly on ‘Can’t Be Subtle’, which almost sounds like it could be the Beach Boys if they were a rock band. They also know how to tug at the heartstrings as they close the album with a soft acoustic number in the form of ‘Understanding Poetry’.
Both bands are certainly more than adept in the music they play, although it would be unfair not to note that while Kind Of Like Spitting are an excellent band, it is Warren Franklin And The Founding Fathers who shine here. Overall though both bands compliment each other well, and ‘It’s Always Nice To See You’ is a fitting name for the record. A solid release that deserves its place in the Topshelf Records catalogue.
GLEN BUSHELL