Noise rock double billing Ex Wives and madeincanada deliver Split 10”, a frenetic and fevered EP that is as one-sided as it is energetic.
Opener ‘Horses’ 5/4 rhythm stampedes over the tonal elements: a hypnotic bass line, Alistair Buckle’s metallic ‘treble’ guitar tearing apart textures, and his strangled voice escaping through the resulting holes.
A monologue from Buckle follows, delivered in a low, deadpan Glaswegian drawl; repeatedly stamped out by an explosive two-note phrase.
Tension builds and you can almost see Buckle’s mad smirk appear a la Norman Bates as he stares the song’s namesake in it’s face.
’23/70′ is a brooding, yet initially underwhelming, response with its short running time and lack of solid direction.
Its appeal grows with listens as Buckle testifies, “I’m 46, I’d like a nice relationship, I’m a great guy,” in a surprisingly open and vulnerable delivery that uses honesty to impact the listener.
Parisian counterparts madeincanada follow with ‘Cognitive Impairments’, using a pedal bass note to anchor down unhinged guitarist/vocalist Aurélie as he scratches the strings and manipulates the frequencies like a beast snarling at its chain.
In contrast, the rhythm section is very regimented with machine-like hi-hats snapping shut and opening up, promptly subduing any squealing feedback.
‘No Form No Function’ is noticeably the weakest song, failing to provide any particular refreshing or outstanding feature to entice the listener.
While Aurélie’s vocals serve their purpose by adding emotion to the recording, they fail to give it half the character of Buckle’s, resulting in an undermined and forgettable track.
Sonically, Split 10” congeals nicely like drying blood on a rope, with both acts exhibiting plenty of energy, however, Ex Wives undoubtedly throw the bigger punches, delivering more impact with their songs and, as a result, appearing nothing but superior.
Words: Liam Gingell
