This is a curious split EP, featuring two bands that have done very well for themselves in the last 12 months. Matchbook Romance‘s full-length on Epitaph has done very well indeed, while Motion City Soundtrack‘s brand of moog inspired pop-punk has won them a lot of friends – including Blink 182‘s Mark Hoppus who is to produce their next record. This EP, made up of four songs, features two acoustic tracks from each band. MCS throw in new songs, while MR cover their own ‘Playing For Keeps’ and chuck in a newie for good measure.
Matchbook Romance start things off with the unexciting ‘In Transit (For You)’, which really lacks the edge the band have when they perform in electric-mode. Andrew Jordan does have a strong vocal mind you, and an ear for a hook, and this is evident on their second offering ‘Playing For Keeps’. It’s a track much more suited to the stripped down effect. ‘Playing For Keeps’ was one of the best songs on ‘Stories and Alibis’ and the acoustic version works incredibly well too – it’s upbeat, the guitar fills are clever and inventive and the vocal melody remains at singalong pace.
MCS fare a bit better, although neither track compares with any of their material from ‘I Am The Movie’. The lack of a moog means MCS lose their identifiable edge, although Justin Pierre certainly has one of the more distinguishable vocals around right now. ‘When “You’re†Around’ is good but not great, but it’s the warming ‘Sunday Warning’ which lights up this record. It’s more a song than an acoustic version, if that makes sense, with a cool beat in the background offsetting the picked guitar parts and Justin’s delicious vocal.
This split will appeal to fans of the bands or collectors who want to try and add to their record collection. While the idea of a split of acoustic songs was probably a good one on the drawing board, the end result isn’t quite as good as one may hope. MCS probably come off slightly better, but both bands are better when they’re at their day jobs. If you’re new to either band, check out their albums before you sample this EP.
www.motioncitysoundtrack.com
www.matchbookromance.com
Epitaph Records
Paul