Despite their differences in band structure, history, and general style of playing, on the Boo split four-track EP, both Hard Girls and Kudrow seem to tap into the same vein, yielding a release that works as a fully formed piece.

San Jose's Hard Girls (who are also three-fourths of the phenomenal Classics of Love) cut a side that continues their up-tempo but somber rock. It seems that Hard Girls are evolving past their original confines. While they still write radio-friendly, compact tunes, on "Birds" they add both a bending guitar that doesn't so much flow with the music as strike through it, as well as vocals with a bit more edge. Hard Girls might not be as explosive as CoL, but their restrained urgency creates highly textured thumb-snappers designed for repeat listen and dissection.

Kudrow, which features Bomb the Music Industry!'s Jeff Rosenstock*, continues their adventures into fast-paced punk. While BtMI! seems to be releasing more ballad-y tunes than in the past, Kudrow has gotten harder and fiercer since their debut release, Lando. Like the Hard Girls side, both songs on the Kudrow side feature somber introspection as well as a peculiar, wailing guitar that gives the music an ominous veil.

The only drawback is that while the release was beautifully packaged by Asian Man Records, there is no lyric sheet. Take note, Mike Park: I will gladly pay the extra cost for a lyrics sheet. I need the lyrics, Park! I CRAVE THEM!!!!

Both Hard Girls and Kudrow are evolving at a pace that shows continuity in the work, as well as how they are stretching for more. Hey fellas-maybe it's time for a full-length so you can really stretch your wings.

* - ^{Fun fact: On his Facebook, Jeff Rosenstock offered a free 7" to the first person that could show him how to view a Celtics game online. I did and won. He asked if he could just give it to me at the BtMI! show in SF in June, which I said was fine. But, really, I don't think I'm going to claim my prize, because really, the creepiness factor of an employed 27-year-old asking for a free seven-inch record for a simple Facebook post three months after the fact is a strong 7 out of 10.}