The Break/Let It Burn - Split

Doghouse Records has decided to give us a taste of two of the New Jersey underground's finest. These two bands that have been around for a couple years, but haven't really hit the "big time" yet. The Break takes the first half of the album and, as their self-titled debut is a personal favorite, I've always felt that they're somewhat underappreciated. The stuff they've included here isn't too much of a departure from their older material. "We Live Without Sleep" shows us that singer John Waverka's range is evergrowing, as he throws in some nice screams for flavor. "Alone With You" and "I Name You Disaster" are more of the same old stuff: melodic punk rock, dual guitars, socially aware lyrics and a very gifted singer. As for Let It Burn's half, it was a pleasant surprise. They blend punk-rock, hardcore, and rock 'n roll in a nice fashion. The singer has more of a British punker's voice and, luckly, isn't the highlight of the band. Despite the lyrics of "I Believe in Love" - the cheesey "I believe in love, and I believe in the stars above" - it's a decent song with nice Matt Freeman styled bass line and a sweet guitar solo. "Fade Away" closes out the split, and follows suit with the rest of Let It Burn's songs; while it's not a bad track with a blazing guitar solo, it probably isn't going to earn repeated playback. Splits are nice for the simple fact that they're cheap and you get a good taste of two different bands. And, even though together these bands are somewhat unimpressive, something on it might inspire you pick one of their respective albums. If so, mission accomplished. [www.doghouserecords.com]