I’m not sure what Epitaph was trying to accomplish with this release. It is a split EP featuring two newcomers on the label, Matchbook Romance and Motion City Soundtrack.  There are only four songs and it clocks in at under twenty minutes.  On top of that two of the four songs are featured on other releases from the bands except they are found in different form. With only four songs you would think that they could have mustered up all new tracks not old ones rehashed on an acoustic guitar.

Needless to say I have never been impressed with Matchbook Romance.  There music has been a retread of everything else that is going on in the independent rock scene and this EP just proves my point.  Vocalist Andy Jordan is flat throughout both “In Transit (For You)” and “Playing For Keeps" and lyrically it just falls flat with lines like, “ For you Baby if you want me to then why not say so cause I can’t shine bright enough for you.”

I was expecting more of the same with Motion City Soundtrack but was pleasantly surprised.  The new song, “When “You’re” Around”, is really catchy and not in annoying way. The vocals of Justin Peirre can catch you off guard at first but after a few listens it is welcomed. The dual guitarist play off of each other fairly well and the drummer keeps it interesting.  They also do a stripped down version of “Sunday Warning” off of their “Kids For America” EP.

If you are new to either of these bands then this EP would not be a good introduction.  This is not a fair gauge of what these bands sound like although it is a nice change. If you are a fan of either band then this would be nice to add to your collection.