Do we really need more emo bands? Apparently some guys in Florida think so. These two bands are basically paint-by-numbers, but the addition of some pop accessibility, hi-fi production, and personal yet understandable lyrics help them grow on you.
The disc puts its best foot forward with Further Seems Forever--one of the strongest examples I've heard of the emotive post-hardcore genre. They're tight, with just the right mixture of tender melodic guitars, sudden sheets of distortion, and likeable, passionate vocals. No doubt much of Further Seems Forever's strength is drawn from the experience of its lineup--the band being made up of former members of Strongarm, Shai Hulud, and the Vacant Andy's.
Lyrics deal with relationships good and bad (what else?). "The Bradley" bitterly remembers a betrayal and deception:
these bonds were always faked
crafted for safety's sake
but pasted wings and foil rings
do not an angel make.
"Justice Prevails" continues the theme by recalling the aftermath of being cheated on:
And you can deny this
but I won't let you,
and you can defy this,
it's not beneath you,
and we can try this,
but were we meant to,
and this will divide us,
and then we'll be through.
Thankfully, "New Year's Project" is more positive, voicing soft hope for love.
Recess Theory have a more timid take on emo, with spiraling and interwoven clean tone guitars and bass featured more than the more common quiet/loud formula. The vocalist has that annoying stopped-up nose sound; somebody please give him a Kleenex before the next recording session.
"Checklist before Chicago" deals with moving, lamenting "the radio plays what it wants to hear so I'm out of here." "Tonight, This Three Hour Drive" portrays thoughts on a long-distance relationship as the guy makes the drive, stands at her door, and "in flip-flops we take off and she is golden."
Both of these bands are resonant of others that I can't put my finger on. Other than that, there's not much to complain of if you like emo. Keep your ears out especially for Further Seems Forever, as they show the most promise of the two.
3 tocks
Other coverage for this album
Decapolis 1999Reviewed by ConradHere's a quality emo-rock six song split CD - mainly because of the first band. The first band, Further Seems Forever, is emo-pop-rock that is a credit to its genre. Good songs, good vocals, good music. The second band, Recess Theory, is more typical emo. Weird chords and music. I was less into them, but its still decent. Further: B; Recess: B- BDecapolis 1999Reviewed by TimI love Recess Theory. They are great live, and on CD. It is the only emo CD that is recorded by Christians that is remotely even close to more popular mainstream emo acts. Further Seems Forever was also pretty good. Both bands have catchy poppy music. I enjoyed it. BDecapolis 1999Reviewed by Tom BastianUntil recently I have never heard of either of these two bands. After hearing this Split EP, both bands have become one of my favorite new bands. Well I'm not even sure how new these bands are, but they are new to me, and they rule. Further Seems Forever's material had more of a melodic rock and roll feel to it. All three songs, "The Bradley", "Justice Prevails" and "New Year's Project" were all…Decapolis 1999Reviewed by Matt AThis was the first time I've heard either of these bands and it sounded like some pretty good stuff. I liked the Further Seems Forever stuff more than the Recess Theory, but both bands had the catchy emo/indie/pop thing going for them. My favorite song on here is Further Seems Forever's last one, "New Year's project". Fans of the Juliana Theory or Mineral would probably enjoy this release.…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Tony LaFianzaFrom the 27th State is a split CD from Takehold Records. It features the power pop of Further Seems Forever and the modern rock of Recess Theory, two new bands from Florida, the 27th state. Both bands have a good ear for pop melodies and toe tapping progressions. Further Seems Forever, made up of former members of Strongarm, Shai Hulud, and the Vacant Andy's, has the more powerful sound of the…Similar sounding releases
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