Direct Hit!/Mixtapes Split 7” (Kind Of Like Records)

I finally received my copy of the Direct Hit!/Mixtapes Split 7” yesterday. I’ve heard the tunes floating around but I wanted to receive and listen to the record before making any calls. 

This split features each band covering the other bands original tune on the split. The record opens up with Direct Hit original Werewolf Shame, and Direct Hit delivers. The song is as infections as any of their tunes on DH 1-5. It’s also nice to hear their songs getting progressively polished each time they enter the studio. Side B features Mixtapes’ original I Was A Teenage Poltergeist. Like Direct Hit, Mixtapes is polished up and sounding fuller than they’ve ever sounded on previous releases. I Was A Teenage Poltergeist is another solid tune from the Mixtapes’ Camp. Their dual vocals and harmonies are all present, and it’s great to hear them over a more amped tune than I’m accustomed to hearing from them. 

The coolest part of this record is the covers, though. Now after a few listenings over the weeks I can understand how people might think that Direct Hit’s side is weaker than Mixtapes, but I don’t think that’s the case at all. Direct Hit covers I Was A Teenage Poltergeist. Mixtapes have a way of infusing tons of charm into their tunes, and it’s unique. Mixtapes’ tunes are also a little different in structure compared to DH’s non-stop power. Direct Hit totally does a solid effort at it, even though it might feel that it was a bit out of element for them. Also, it’s pretty cool to hear their own little flares added to it. Now on the other side of this is Mixtapes covering Werewolf Shame. Charm, harmonies and everything shine in this cover. The most notable difference is how the songs close. Mixtapes tone down the ending a bit with a breakdown in music and vocals, and while I prefer DH’s approach this is totally more in their realm and makes the tune their version standout. 

Direct Hit!/Mixtapes Split 7” (Kind Of Like Records) - Digital and Vinyl

Stray Observations

- The Artwork for this is pretty fucking cool. I’m not sure what it is, but I keep on thinking The Grinch on Acid. Also, the artwork is bent like that, it’s like a little pocket.  

- On the same note of artwork: Mixtapes have such unique tunes, but there artwork is pretty blah. What gives?

- My record player really needs a new belt.

RVIVR - Dirty Water

First Impressions: Dirty Water fits comfortably into the mold that RVIVR has built themselves. Sonically everything is about the same. The quality is just as good as their other EPs, if not just a tad better. One difference of note is that in this go around RVIVR has added a horn section. To my knowledge this is the first time RVIVR has implemented such instrumentation, unless I spaced out on it in the earlier releases. The horns only show up on two tracks (Seethin and Had Enough (of This Hell), respectively) and they only make up a fractionof the song, but the change is unsettling for the moment. They might grow on me though. Tune in later.