Old Growth / Science of Yabra

Old Growth and Science of Yabra may be two very different bands, but together they make for quite a solid little split tour 7".

Old Growth's vocalist oddly reminds me of a young Kevin Devine, with the band playing two straight-ahead, punk-inflected rock tunes that are a little more down-home than Miracle of 86. There's an honest, lovesick quality to the singer's voice and yet the music stays driving in "Taste the Rain," while "Brother Boy" sounds like a lost Jawbreaker instrumental.

On the other side, Science of Yabra offer one mere tune, but "Reunion Machine" is a raucous one, with bouncing, slammed post-hardcore riffs á la Drive Like Jehu.

This little seven-inch may be nothing to start blowing bits of brains apart with but it's certainly a worthy souvenir if you happen to catch either band on tour.

Old Growth - Taste the Rain

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Old Growth - Brother Boy