Bringing together two of the newest bands on the Epitaph roster, Matchbook Romance and Motion City Soundtrack, this acoustic split is an attempt to showcase the depth in songwriting of the two bands, whom some may have already written off as merely more purdy emo boys off the seemingly endless US conveyer belt.

For the most part it works, Matchbook Romance's brand new 'In Transit (For You)' and an alternative version of 'Playing For Keeps' from their 2003 'Stories and Alibis' album work well when stripped down bare. Motion City Soundtrack's two new tracks don't quite fare so well, particularly with the bulky power chords of 'When You're Around' not making the same natural transition to the minimal environment.

While unlikely to win many new converts to their causes, both bands escape what could have been a prime opportunity for them to be exposed as one trick ponies.

Rating: 3/5 by Dan Jones

Tracklisting

1. In Transit (For You) - Matchbook Romance
2. Playing For Keeps - Matchbook Romance
3. When You're Around - Motion City Soundtrack
4. Sunday Warning - Motion City Soundtrack

Further links

Epitaph Records

Sprawling for THE punk label, still after all these years

Motion City Soundtrack

Friendly site offering among other things a full album stream of the band's latest full-length, 'I am The Movie'

Matchbook Romance.com

Online home of 'Non more Emo' Matchbook Romance