This four-way split bears a bold title, for bold music. Flannel Gurl records have compiled a solid group of post-hardcore bands to showcase for their Sound of Young America release. Los Angeles' Calculator begin the set with the most melodic and dynamic songs on the comp. Innards and Capacities follow, with both bands bringing the noise as well as emo histrionics. Chicago's Ittō finish the record with two frenetic, math-y stabs of sound.
Juxtaposing these songs so closely is an inspired move, making the nuance of each band more discernable and appreciable. Whether or not the sound of this record is actually representative of "young America" is really not the point here — though the album title and art make reference albums that made even loftier claims, Flannel Gurl records made this compilation as a snapshot of what's currently happening, not as a bar set for the shape of young America to come.
(Flannel Gurl Records)Juxtaposing these songs so closely is an inspired move, making the nuance of each band more discernable and appreciable. Whether or not the sound of this record is actually representative of "young America" is really not the point here — though the album title and art make reference albums that made even loftier claims, Flannel Gurl records made this compilation as a snapshot of what's currently happening, not as a bar set for the shape of young America to come.