Divide the Sea - Fear. Anger. Strife./Friends - Better Off Alone

Blood and Ink Records are doing things differently. And in this changing music culture that's a good thing. Embracing the digital side of music and pre-releasing albums over at their bandcamp page and offering limited edition eps, vinyl, and cassettes (yes that's right, cassettes) Blood and Ink is a label that's think about their buying audience in this modern age of music. Because despite what I want, the full-length cd is a thing of the past.

So Blood and Ink has two eps available for your listening pleasure.

The first is brand new hardcore from Divide the Sea. In a culture where hardcore is dominated by over produced, triggered drums, gated guitars, bass drops, and super compressed vocals, Divide the Sea (and Blood and Ink in general) is providing something raw and real.

Fear. Anger. Strife is 3 songs of raw hardcore aggression. At times I'm reminded of Spitfire (Self-Help era). Each song is hard hitting, constantly moving and changing shape to keep the listener interested and engaged. It feels like there is actually 6 or so short songs happening when it's only 3. An enjoyable hardcore ep start to finish.

The problem is it's 3 songs and I keep the playlist on repeat. The tracks are so good that I keep wishing there was more. A good problem to have.

The second ep is Blood and Ink's newest signing, Friends. Featuring members of Dependency and Worker, these guys have put aside hardcore and have delivered a pop punk sound, that while not that original, is refreshing to hear. Their debut ep, Better Off Alone, which will be released on cassette tape (Seriously didn't know anyone made tapes anymore), is a nice intro to this new band.

Eat You Alive is a slow building intro that breaks in a sound that reminds me of the early 2000's emo scene (in a good way). Streetlights has a very familiar vibe with a catchy hook. Running Down Hills Fast is my favorite track. Just good, fun pop punk.

Two solid eps from Blood and Ink Records that should be check out for sure. You can download both at http://bloodandink.bandcamp.com/