Caravels/Gifts From Enola
Well Worn Split12″
Topshelf Records/The Mylene Sheath (2012)
Sounds like: Post-hardcore with screamo and post-rock elements
Rating: 10/10
Aren’t split EPs great?! They give eager music fans a way to check out two, even three bands in one convenient package. Released through collaboration between Topshelf Records and The Myelin Sheath in early 2012, the Caravels/Gifts From Enola Well Worn split is a pretty awesome bundle.
Hometown heroes Caravels start things off with the powerful opener “Sagan Genesis” and it’s definitely apparent that they’ve embraced a darker sound since 2011’s 7” release. This powerful, yet beautiful number displays Caravels’ careful attention to dynamics with delicate, intricate guitar melodies building up to a hulking, drum-clashing climax. The second track, “Beer Pressure” is definitely the strongest track on the entire split. The drums and bass sound as tight as ever, making the lower end move to the forefront rather than the subtle guitar leads (though, they’re still there). Michael Roeslein’s screams sound slightly raspier than on previous efforts and the lyrics are great, as usual. The most intimate verses of “Beer Pressure” feature Roeslein passionately yelling “You can’t reject me after all that I’ve done/You shuffle your feet/twiddle your thumbs.” Caravels end their side of the split with the compelling “Bone Voyage,” which includes a drum/vocals solo segment that listeners will definitely take note of. Caravels has only continued to grow as a band and it definitely shows in this release. I’m proud to say they’re from my city.
This was my first time listening to Gifts From Enola, and I was pleasantly surprised. The band uses lyrics sparingly, moving the music and effects to the forefront. “Angel Face” is chock-full of technical, chaotic guitar melodies which instantly reminded me of bands like At the Drive-In. The band has a unique approach to songwriting as they take one melody, add to it, and exhaust almost all possibilities with that single idea. The second track on this side, “Water Torture” touches the post-rock genre with a steady groove.
The Well Worn split presents a great glance into what modern post-hardcore has to offer today. You can stream the songs on AbsolutePunk.net. Give it a listen and see for yourself.
-Ian Caramanzana
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