Lemuria/Cheap Girls - Split EP (No Idea Records)
Lemuria’s sophomore full-length, Pebble, which was released earlier this year, put off many of their fans. I am not one of those people, but I understand that people who wanted to hear the simple pop structure of the first full-length and the EPs that preceded it were not satisfied by the much more subdued, subtle, and reserved full-length that the band offered up. However, I doubt you’ll hear anyone say that the songs on this EP aren’t poppy enough.
Lemuria open their side of this split with “Single Mother,” which addresses the insecurities of a new relationship that is constantly shadowed by the evidence of a past relationship (in this case, a child). Alex Kerns and Sheena Ozzella share vocal roles on the track, often harmonizing on the primary emotional declaration, “I’m so terrified, so fucking terrified.” Kerns’ dull tenor and Ozzella’s bright, poppy alto lines go together perfectly, and when they sing individual lines, each of their vocal styles fits the part. For people who want pop, I should point out that this song has a xylophone solo. How’s that for pop?
Lemuria’s second track, “Lemons,” is one of Ozzella’s classically crafted tunes, blending sweet, melodious vocals that are so beautiful to the ear that it is easy to overlook the dark, gut-wrenching emotional lyrical content: “Who knows? Who cares? That is what your shoulders shrugged. I think that is what you think of us… your emotions are obscene, you don’t realize how much that hurts me.” The divergence between the beautiful delivery and the macabre outlook of the lyrics creates a tenuous balance. As Ozzella sings the last lines and the music drops away, you are left feeling empty and alone.
Cheap Girls kick off their side of the split with a single tom hit followed by a guitar riff that could be found in a Cheap Trick song. “Pure Hate,” like many of Cheap Girls’ songs, is full of chunky, classic American rock and roll riffs. It’s difficult not to draw parallels to bands like the Gin Blossoms, who Cheap Girls clearly adore, but Adam Aymor’s guitar work and Ian Graham’s unenthused vocals mirror that sound all too well. This band is committed to writing solid and simple rock music, and they are damn good at it. Unfortunately, this is the only song they contribute to the record, and while it’s a great tune, it’s not enough for me. Not all is lost, however. They’re in the studio right now with Tom Gabel (Against Me!) working on a third full-length album, and that news paired with this promising single leave plenty for their fans to be excited about.