Jetlag / Lonely Kings - Split Release

  by Benjamin Howarth

published: 20 / 1 / 2002

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Review

This mini-album combines two 4 track EPs by two groups, a value for money exercise that should introduce you to two good bands. Both come from the emo/hardcore genre, and whilst each is clearly talented, they don’t really do anything that hasn't been done before.Funnily enough, although both groups are from the United States and their influences appear to be American, the Dischord bands and people like Burning Airlines in particular, they are quite similar to British bands like the Babies 3 and Sunfactor. The songs are , however, to be honest, not really as strong as some of the bands they have been influenced by .They both though show promise though and for anyone who is an emocore fan, it is a worthwhile addition to their collection. Jetlag are the stronger of the two acts, and display a lot more variety. They go from the straightahead metallic hardcore of their opening track 'Standardised' to a more melodic emo styled sound. Lonely Kings also have some strong material, but often it just doesn’t grab the listener. The problem both of these bands faces that with so many other talented bands on the hardcore scene that it is difficult for them to stand out. The value for money aspect of a split release, however, makes it well worth looking out , and both these bands, whatever else, remain a million times better than more commercial, but dull names such as the Coral and the Music. Their combination of emotional lyrics and tense, at times noisy music remains a fun option. Not essential then, but worth investigating.

Track Listing:-

1 Jetlag - Standardised
2 Jetlag - Left On Centre
3 Jetlag - Answer
4 Jetlag - Falling Away
5 Lonely Kings - These Wars
6 Lonely Kings - Words Like Swords
7 Lonely Kings - Rain or Shine
8 Lonely Kings - Black Dahlia