Europe might be churning out even more American-sounding skatepunk bands than us. This particular split full-length pairs two such revivalists: Sweden's State of Mine and Belgium's the Octopussys.

After an intro seeming to reference the THX sound check, State of Mine gets properly into opener "Opening Sequence," an appropriately titled and scrappy, double-time instrumental. At times their snotty vocalist occasionally resembles Eric Melvin, but especially the first line or two of "Conspiracy Earth." Consequently, the band's sound isn't far off the likes of mid-'90s NOFX, or maybe a more raw, ragged and less melodic/upbeat version of fellow Swedes No Fun at All. Some nice "whoa"s litter "How to Survive Emocore," but that's only the other real element that sticks out. Not bad stuff from State of Mine, but fairly forgettable too.

The Octopussys come with a slightly more upbeat brand of the style. They kick off "Burger King" with some nasal vocal lines that instantly make me think of MxPx's Mike Herrera and "Never Learn," but the similarity seems to dissipate as the song goes on. Nonetheless, they've got a rough melodic style that's closer to early Slick Shoes or possibly Bodyjar's gruffer stuff. Closer "I Fucked Up Again" sounds like one of the older, poppier Strung Out tracks, like "Solitaire" or something. Overall, their side is a little more musically interesting, with plenty of tempo and chord changes--plus straight shredding in "Burning Calories Is Bad for Business"--that keep what they do relatively interesting.

An OK split I wouldn't break the bank for, but if you've a fetish for this thing it could be worth the while.

STREAM
State of Mine's side
The Octopussys - Burger King
The Octopussys - I Fucked Up Again