Tenement kick off this split with "The Best and Worst of Times," a sprightly pop-punk number that reminds me a little of the Measure [SA] when male-led and a little more mid-tempo, only with a crunchier Dinosaur Jr. feel. Layered vocals and a rugged delivery make for a cool opener.

Friendly Fire have two songs and while they definitely have different vibes you can still tell they came from the same band. "Sinking Feelings" is a somewhat frantic, extremely Rites of Spring-esque drive, while "Homesick" exhibits a little more of the Jawbreaker influence you expect them to have -- only it's more circa Bivouac than Dear You (something like "Chesterfield King," I'm thinking).

Both bands are both similar and different enough to make this a sensible pairing and they come out about even in the process. A worthy introduction for both bands, I'd imagine.

STREAM
Tenement - The Best and Worst of Times
Friendly Fire - Sinking Feelings
Friendly Fire - Homesick