In many ways they are complete opposites, with the former's grungy downer-grooves drawing few parallels to the latter's loose indie-pop-punk vibe. Somehow it still makes sense, with the two groups not only sharing a label in Altercation Records but also clearly finding similar influence from the 90's punk scene.
The split leads off with Lost In Society's recent single Not Afraid, which hits hard from note one but dips nicely from a punk-bravado-laden verse ("fuck you too!") into a somber refrain for the bridge. This darker vibe is expanded upon for the rest of the EP, which is more grungy, including the stand-out track Waiting, with a Cobain-esque delivery from lead singer Zach Moyle that works extremely well for this sound.
The transition into the second half of the split LP really brings out the differences in the two groups - where Lost In Society's tone is dark and all about the low-end, American Pinup sounds light, unburdened, and unstressed. With that said, there are still subdued moments - this isn't bubblegum music - and Lauren West, main songwriter for the group, has an incredible knack for melody that gives these songs a ton of depth.
What's even more refreshing about American Pinup's half of this new release is that, unlike legions of lesser pop-punk groups, they're able to break away from that mold when need be. There's a sort of listener's auto-pilot that can happen to anybody who's hearing too many punk tracks in a row, and moments like the reggae break in Drinking Buddy serve as a well-timed breath of fresh air.
Which defines this split as well - it's a serious breath of fresh air to hear punk bands that can draw from some mainstream influences (Lost in Society cite Green Day and Foo Fighters as major ones) yet avoid the cookie-cutter bullshit that can be so pervasive therein. If you're into catchy punk, at least one of these bands is up your alley - get listening!
- Matt Sokol
03
Feb
Lost in Society and American Pinup are an interesting pair of bands for a split LP release.
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