Stavesacre delivers what they promised for this anticipated split CD with Denison Marrs — three new and exclusive songs continuing upon the musical direction they took on Speakeasy. If you have seen Stavesacre play live recently, you have heard the three tracks on here, and they translated well to tape. While all three songs have a fresh-sense-of-Stavesacre, track two stands out powerfully (but maybe I am just biased since I just got dumped after a 2 & 1/2 year relationship, and the song goes like this: "But if you should wake one day to find / You don't see yourself as mine / If you should need to leave my side / You leave a better man behind," and, you know, I can relate to that and whatnot).
Denison Marrs' contributions to the split are excellent. They spark with distortion, wail with real emotion, and have some nifty Edge joins Appleseed Cast guitar parts. And their bridging harmonies, sauntering grooves, and power-pop-rock climaxes are unimpeachable.
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Michial FarmerStavesacre turns in three uncharacteristically weak and uninspired tracks for this limited-edition split EP for Velvet Blue Music. They're paint-by-numbers affairs somewhere in between the hardcore of Absolutes and the more melodic, emo-influenced Speakeasy. Unfortunately, they lack the magic of either of these two albums and feel bland and emotionless. Only "Island" breaks the surface, and even…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Andy ArgyrakisStavesacre and Denison Marrs may appear to be a contrast in musical styles and instrumental exploration. Stavesacre thrives on rocking hard with the vocals of Mark Solomon, which have become a trademark over the years. Denison Marrs combines glowing emo rhythms with an alternative rock edge. Their differences on this EP are apparent, but the diversity makes this project all the more appealing,…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Trae CadenheadFor this split EP, Stavesacre broke away from the popular Tooth & Nail label to make something for the fans. In the process, they helped to further the popularity of Florida band Denison Marrs. Stavesacre starts off the split with three brand new songs. More in the direction that they took with Speakeasy, the new songs sound relatively dry and uninspired compared with past works from the band.…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Eric DaamsThe split album concept is an interesting premise, on the one hand being a perfect way for new bands to break on the scene. The audience of the two (or more) bands are pooled, whilst the costs of production are cut, making a high quality recording an actual possibility. On the other hand, the whole thing could go drastically wrong. The bands need to have similar qualities. Not many Avalon fans…Similar sounding releases
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