This split 12” release is unusual in many respect, not least of all because it’s split between 4 bands, who’ve contributed 2 tracks apiece and is effectively an album, and the tracks aren’t grouped by act. So, Plastic Animals open with ‘Sheltered’, which starts like it’s going to be some meandering post-rock before some digital bleeps arrive and it takes a sharp left turn into indie / alt rock territory. And very pleasant it is too. Magic Eyes drift along in shoegaze territory, while the laid-back psychedelic drawl of Zed penguin is a super-chilled groove. Le Thug’s ‘New Balance’ is surprisingly delicate and ethereal and not remotely thuggish. Oriental motifs weave through the mellow vibes of Magic Eye’s ‘Japan’ that concludes side one.
Side two is all about Le Thug’s ‘Sense in Scotland’. While supported by the gritty chug of Zed Penguin’s ‘Heathens’ and the motorik fizz of ‘Floating’ by Plastic Animals, the 13-minute semi-ambient waves that wash beneath the hypnotic female vocals combine to create a shimmering gem. Not only does ‘Split 12”’ contain some gorgeously dreamy tunes by bands no-one’s ever heard of but really should have, but the idiosyncratic approach to track sequencing and the overall curation of the release is inspired (especially if you happen to find one of the download versions that comes with a 4-pack of beer from a microbrewery local to the Edinburgh-based label).
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Song, By Toad Records Online
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