Nevada and Southern California have aligned themselves together on the new Guts/Anchorless split, where on this four-track effort both regions' most current prosperous acts have come forward to deliver a joint effort, documenting a significant time musically within the trajectory of both bands.
Las Vegas, Nevada’s Guts are first to take on the enduring challenge to encapsulate listeners. ”Russ Tyler Vs. The World” brandishes the classic mixture of radiant clean-cut clarity and endearing genuine charm, which has been situated within Guts sound on previous efforts. The bridge explodes with an out-pour of untapped bitterness as vocalist Sean Romulus laments “You whispered "This won’t work, Sean". You moved away to let me move on. That night was when it all went wrong; you created the monster I've become...”. As every note resonates from Romulus’s voice, a gradual picture is painted before the listener’s eyes of the exact scene of this extreme grief, which is being projected.
“Headlights” is a change of pace from “Russ Tyler Vs. The World”, which sheds light on the versatility of styles within the band's repertoire. Again, Romulus is brutally honest, making an intriguing contrast and counterpart to the smooth clarity of his voice that dips in and out of the mix, like the undulating surge of water that threatens to overwhelm you into the passionate waters. The unsung point of praise is the band's ability to compose bold choruses, and “Headlights” is another example of this, which leaves a perfect lasting impression.
The pathway of communication is then left to Southern California’s Anchorless, who introduce themselves with their first contribution to the split with “Player One”. While undoubtedly being Anchorless’ most musically-ambitious song to date, it is apparent that the band has sought out new avenues to broaden the scope of their sound and cover flattering territory. “Player One” impressively holds the torch illuminating the charm of the poppier moments of classic acts such as Story Of The Year and Armor For Sleep. The song perfectly encapsulates the listener’s attention as the build-up of instrumentation is authentic.
Anchorless speed straight into the second track, “Just Because...”, without allowing “Player One” to become stale. The band is adamant on not producing any unnecessary excess, but rather the blunt and direct core of their songs, which undoubtedly strike at the abrasive nature of their punk core. “Just Because...” is an accurate portrayal of this. Coupled with a declaration of cynicism – “I can’t see the days ahead, but I think when they’re here you won’t be here with me...”, as well as the sweeping exhilarating speed that is emulated, it is evident that Anchorless have polished the brazen sound for the better.
Guts and Anchorless collectively have bridged together their respective sounds in an effort of making a claim of the prosperity within the scene today.
Tracklist:
Guts
1. Russ Tyler Vs. The World
2. Headlights
Anchorless
3. Player One
4. Just Because...
RIYL: Thieves, poppy moments of Armor For Sleep and Caleb Lionheart
Rating:
Written by Aaron Akeredolu
Guts
Anchorless
