For decades, splits have always been a great way for bands to collaborate in unison, while also exchanging potential fans. However, what we don't always see is bands collaborating across different countries. From Sweden, Tag Your Targets, and from Wales, Hot Damn will be releasing their upcoming split on Hang Tight Records. This will be Tag Your Targets' first official release, while Hot Damn released an EP just earlier this year.
Both of each bands' songs are all new, which is great to see. Tag Your Targets' opener, Rolling Hills, Broad Skies, is a solid Pop Punk song which immediately made me think of bands like Fenix*TX, Alkaline Trio, and Saves The Day. The calm, yet upbeat vibe emitted by the song is somewhat not as common nowadays, sometimes over-shadowed by all of the different types of Hardcore-influenced Pop Punk bands out. All in all, this song makes great use of long melodies and in no way comes off as forced. The next track, Caution, is the Yang to the former's Ying. This one is much faster, clocking in at just a minute and seventeen seconds. Despite this, I wouldn't call Caution a Hardcore-influenced song, as it just doesn't cross that line. Both songs are a great balance, given that at times splits of this length can leave listeners wanting more of a certain style.
Hot Damn's half is a great contrast to the first two tracks, being closer to the Pop Punk/Easycore end of the spectrum. Loyalties offers an incredibly infectious chorus, with the line I don't know what to think, I don't know what to feel, I don't know where to go. This is one of those lines that you'll take with you after a few listens because of how relatable and catchy it is. The song itself is a significant improvement over the band's previous release, while still maintaining parts of their edgy sound. Nothing Stays (Nothing Lasts) ties the knot on the split with a steady dose of aggressive Pop Punk before the final chorus drives into a melancholic, yet traditional breakdown.
Though one of my main observations was the shortness of the EP, we have to remember a lot of the time quality is greater than quantity. Both bands display a promising array of musicianship, however I think it may take another release before truly capturing their listeners. Nevertheless, it's a very satisfying reminder that distance means nothing when it comes to music.
Rating:
Tag Your Targets
Hot Damn
