Sketchy / Burnt Tapes Split

The split single has become a staple of the punk scene, whilst their very nature can mean you get mixed results, I think there is no finer way to introduce yourself to a few new bands. This release is a truly international affair, it features New York quintet Sketchy and The Burnt Tapes, a quartet of Greek punks based in London, England.

Sketchy produce a noisy and chaotic blast of punk rock on opening track Normal, this is a fun amalgamation of all things punk and they start proceedings on this EP in fine style. Second track Coffee And Cigarettes is a more focused and driven number, but it is no less joyous. Sketchy manage to be gruff, discordant and melodic all at the same time and I’m keen to hear what the future will bring us from this impressive New York outfit.

The Burnt Tapes bring their gruff punky charms to the party, they open their half of this split with South To Motherboy, this is a fine ferocious piece of punk rock with a killer guitar hook. They follow this with wonderfully titled Go Drunk You’re Home, which is less frantic, but a no less intense, number that features a great anthemic chorus. For me this edges it as the best song on this EP, but it’s a close rung thing as all four songs, and both bands, are equally matched

This is a split that in no way has a split personality, it is coherent and consistent, and for me this is an example of how split singles should be. This is a raw and frenetic collection of DIY punk rock where all four tracks compliment each other perfectly 

You can order the Sketchy / The Burnt Tapes split as download, or as a limited edition felxi disc , here (USA) and here (UK)