Split System

Reviews

Les Lullies / Split System split 7″

With a rather hilarious acknowledgment of its international camaraderie on the cover, this hot little split carries strong tracks on both sides. First up is Melbourne favorites SPLIT SYSTEM with “Chemicals,” a steamrollin’, raggedy-edged rocker that sounds like it could be a cover of an outtake from CIRCLE JERKS’ VI LP. On the flip, Montpellier’s LES LULLIES deliver some florid pop garagery in the form of “A L’Etroit,” whose tough groove and bright refrain brings the SAFETY PINS’ “Just in Fun” to mind. Nice.

Split System On the Edge / On the Loose 7″

One of many incredible Australian acts to make a splash keeps their hot streak going with two mean, sneering cuts of street punk. While “On the Edge” has a confident strut anchored by a dripping meaty bass line, “On the Loose” picks up the pace with a neck-snapping number that showcases their dual-guitar lineup with an earnest, blazing guitar solo. Jackson Reid Briggs’s throaty, booming holler is perfectly suited for this music, somewhat calling to mind the confidence of Chris Shaw (EX-CULT, MEMO PST). This band is operating at a high level with a sound that’s outside of time, referential but fresh and hitting like a hammer. Motor City back-alley rock by way of Melbourne. This single is a perfect entry point to the group whose swaggering, garage-inflected punk already feels classic as it’s being made in front of you.

Split System Bullet / On the Street 7″

Rock’n’punk done right, as only Australians can do. Tattoos, bad haircuts, and repetitive solid riffs. HEARTBREAKERS and STITCHES amphetamine swagger with COLOURED BALLS, SAINTS, or POWER street smarts. I had to send this down under to former MRR punker Adam Caine, as his line of work is HVAC and maybe their name is a reference to such? Can’t choose the better song here ‘cuz they’re both sick as fuck. It’s already sold out, so break into your neighbor’s house and get one. Bonzer!

Split System Vol. 1 LP

There must be something in the water down in Australia because every band that has come through there lately has been incredible. Vol. 1 from Melbourne’s SPLIT SYSTEM is of course no exception. This album is what I would expect if the ROLLING STONES decided to try their hands at proto-punk, with the end result sounding like if the NICE BOYS had a heavier ADAM ANT influence. The vocals and lead guitar co-exist beautifully, and are both catchy while avoiding stepping on each other’s toes. Rhythm section is tight and stays in the pocket, letting the guitars shine. Great clean tone from both axes. Lovely record here, and very much recommended.

Split System Climbing EP

Melbourne punks from STIFF RICHARDS, SPEED WEEK, and the BLACK HEART DEATH CULT joined forces to form SPLIT SYSTEM during one of the breaks between their city’s COVID lockdowns. Once back under lockdown, though, the band had to turn into an email project, with each member self-recording their parts at home. But you wouldn’t be able to tell from listening to this thing—it sounds great, thanks in part to a fantastic mix from Mikey Young. The four tracks you’re getting here are a bit early BLACK FLAG, a bit Raw Power STOOGES, and a bit EDDY CURRENT SUPPRESSION RING, which on paper sounds good as hell. But, I don’t know, these songs just aren’t doing it for me. There isn’t anything bad on the release, and everything is competently put together—it’s just that nothing stuck with me once the record was off.