Against All Authority / Common Rider – Split

Against All Authority and Common Rider have come together to release an 8 song split EP on their mutual record label Hopeless Records. The eight song EP features four brand new tracks from AAA and four tracks left over from CR‘s last studio session for their final full length release This Is Unity Music (they have broken up since then). But as a reviewer, it is sometimes quite difficult to review a split album without stating that one band is better than the other, luckily this split doesn’t run into that problem as both song styles are so incredibly different, its nearly impossible to compare the two.

The opening four tracks from courtesy of Miami’s Against All Authority. They kick the album off with a flurry of activity with their fast paced street-punk songs. Danny Lore’s snotty vocals fit perfectly as they fly through the songs but guitarist Joseph Koontz’ ska influence doesn’t go unnoticed either. Their final track, World Dominator, makes for a nice breath with the ska-tinged melody and intermingling vocals that get you singing along and almost skanking. This slower, more guitar driven song makes for a perfect transitional song into Common Rider‘s final four songs.

These four tracks are the band’ final four tracks, and could possibly be Jessie Michaels’ (Operation Ivy) final songs too as he is taking an indefinite hiatus from music for the time being. These four songs are a complete 360 spin away from that of Against All Authority‘s. They are much more upbeat, slower, longer vocally driven and mostly acoustic songs, a huge difference compared to the lightning fast street punk of the former band. While Common Rider doesn’t quite match up to Michaels’ former band, they are able to make for a slightly entertaining listen through their folk-inspired tracks.

Now, not being a huge fan of either Against All Authority or Common Rider, this split does not create much of an appeal for me. There’s a few songs that were worth an extra spin, but after one or two listens the novelty of the album really wears off. So unless you’re a fan of either band, then I’d stay away from it.