This CD is kind of interesting in that one of the bands (All American Radio) is fairly new to the scene with this split being their first CD release, while the other band (Somerset) has just recently called it quits with this being their last CD. Like the bio says, both bands are from the Lancaster, PA, area so I have had the opportunity to see both bands live a few times. All American Radio kind of reminds me of Rainer Maria a little bit with their male/female vocals. Overall the male seems to sing a little bit more than the female, at least on these songs. I guess they would be described as indie emo-rock with a bit of a pop feel. They use both a keyboard and violin on most of their songs which really helps to solidify their sound, and give it kind of an original feel. There even seems to be a bit of an 80s influence, especially on the song "Babblemouth," which is probably my favorite song on their side of the split. Neither vocalist I really liked a lot. Not that they were bad, but there just wasn't anything that really stood out about them. Just kind of bland vocally. The music I really enjoyed though. The music has both mellow and more rocking parts. The rocking parts I really enjoyed. The closing chorus of their last song, "Patterns In Randomness," is really cool. In a weird way it almost reminds me of that "We Are the World" song [By the 1985 hunger relief fundraising super-group U.S.A. for Africa - Ed.], I think that's just because it has a bunch of people singing along. I will be interested in seeing this band grow, and I'm happy that they are a Lancaster band, because this way I will get to see them a lot.
Somerset has always had that Mineral feel to their music, which I have to say I like. On these four new songs, they kind of get away from the strong Mineral influence and move more towards a sound all their own. Andy still kind of sounds like Chris Simpson (Mineral/Gloria Record), but I think that is a good thing. I actually wish Andy would sing more on their songs. Intricate indie rock, with that classic emo whine, and lots of tempo changes would be a good way to describe it. They also experiment at times, which kind of annoys me, but overall they keep the musical experimentation to a minimum. My favorite tracks from the Somerset side of this split are "The Arm They Took" and the incredible closing track, "An Ideology for Idiotologists." The latter song has only one line, "All these boys just can't treat you right," but there is just something about the music that really moves me. Plus Mollie from All American Radio plays the violin on this song, and just totally rocks out. I would get this CD just for this powerful song. The CD artwork is so cool. It's like a fold-out piece of paper with a picture of both bands standing in a field on the inside. Then each song has its own piece of paper with the song lyrics on them. Just a really cool layout, something kind of out of the ordinary, but almost expected when it comes from two very creative bands, on a very creative record label. If you're into indie rock and emo stuff, go get this. You won't be disappointed.
B+
Other coverage for this album
Bandoppler 1999Reviewed by Earl CampbellA split EP featuring All American Radio and Somerset, Instruments/Landscapes offers us a glimpse into the emotive side of the heartland. The first element of note about this disc is the packaging—a cover booklet with a creative and attractive window pane design presenting views of farm equipment and buildings, and opening up in the middle to hand out elegantly simple lyric cards with countryside…Decapolis 1999Reviewed by ConradAll American Radio is very emo. Nothing really stood out that much to me other than that it was pretty decent when they weren't playing slow songs. But enough of that, lets move on to Somerset - emo-pop. Much of their songs are instrument-heavy, but in their case it's a good thing because their music is wonderful. It's not all weird chords and crap, it's melody. Thank you. The vocals are very emo…Decapolis 1999Reviewed by TimThis is your standard emoish Burnt Toast Vinyl release. Somerset has good changes in the middle of the songs, but the quiet parts are too quiet and boring. All American Radio is also a standard emo band. Both of the bands kinda sound the same, so the record runs together...but if I remember correctly, All American Radio was the poppier of the two. CDecapolis 1999Reviewed by Matt R.It was almost inevitable that this CD would not be released until after Somerset played their final show, and since it is now a posthumous CD, it is very appropriate that it be a split with a newer band that is busting out in a major way all over this record. All-American Radio's side starts off on the mellow side of things and builds up with each song to a grand finale where the emotion just…Decapolis 1999Reviewed by Matt AThis is a solid release from two bands that show a lot of promise. I enjoyed All American Radio's part of the CD more than Somerset's. Their songs are a bit poppier and at times remind me of Rainer Maria (it's probably the male/female vocals). Unfortunately, this is Somerset's last release. The last song is a really good one. Anyone who's seen them play this song live will remember it. It's very…Similar sounding releases
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