First let me be honest and say that I have always disliked split recordings, whether they are split LPs, split CDs, split digital like this, or split 7"s with one song from each of two bands. I find the lack of continuity annoying. On the other hand I don't mind comps with a dozen bands. Never mind my quirks, on to the recording itself.
1. Jailbird 03:32
2. I Won't Grow 01:41
3. Oh My God 01:56
4. Separation From Reality 01:45
5. Breaking Down Borders 01:03
6. A Song for Every Picked Lock 01:51
7. Pillow Talk 02:03
8. 517 02:29
9. Politics of Grace 02:19
10. Jules 02:28
Up first is Everyday Tension, a group from Kenosha, WI. Guitar and banjo.
Jailbird starts out pretty, then morphs into gang vocals and fierce playing. Sounds like they've been listening to Days N Daze and that's a good thing. I Won't Grow is raw and wonderful. Did I also mention I disdain most overproduced crapola? Nothing like that here, thank Dog. :) Oh My God is okay, barely. Separation From Reality is fun folk-punk partially ska sort of and I like the quick vocals and the changes of tempo and rhythm. Breaking Down Borders seems to be the obligatory train song. Don't laugh my band has one too, ha ha -- it is our tradition so bugger off.
Next is Anarcho Annie, from here in Los Angeles. I know her, which is why I know about this to review it. Lyrics heavy, this one woman performer (I didn't write "band" because a band has to be more than one person) has excellent lyrics writing abilities so keep an eye (ear?) on this teenager because she has a hell of a lot of talent. A Song for Every Picked Lock, like most of her stuff, straight 60s folk (just her voice and guitar) but the subject matter is thoughtful, thought provoking and point making. Pillow Talk more of the same but with a wistful quality to its anarchic content. 517 is slower and both anti and personal. The lyrics in Politics of Grace are so damn good that I have a huge smile on my face. With the apparent retirement of Pat the Bunny, anyone who wants intelligent words and passionate anarchism should start following Anarcho Annie.
I do not understand about the last track Jules. I guess it's her but it's not recorded the same as the others, nor is it her usual long lyrics style. Nevertheless it's her and her thinking signature.
Overall this is really good stuff. Get it, separate it in two on your iPod or whatever and play them separately. Enjoy. Available here:
https://anarchoannie.bandcamp.com/album/anarcho-annie-everyday-tension-split
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