Picking favourites, whether it’s picking your preferred pet, sibling or Spicegirl (how good was Sporty Spice?), it’s something we all do but deep down tend to feel a bit remorseful about. When it comes to split releases I usually sway towards one side with a wave of guilt. This split is no different, but thankfully Balance and Composure and Tigers Jaw have weighed in almost equally, so I don’t feel too bad this time around.

The pair from Pennsylvania have each showcased their take on (excuse me as I dive into dangerous genre classifying waters) modern DIY emo/indie rock, with their own personal influences. Despite their differences each band employs clear passion via quite a dark and almost eerie feeling.

The Doylestown five piece Balance and Composure lunge into the octet with a section of chilling rhythm to serve as an introduction for vocalist Jonathon Simmons on the track “Kaleidoscope”. Simmons, one of three guitarists, sings with such grit and aggression, yet his ability to transfer to soothing, smooth tones is done in such an unbroken manner. There is an incredible amount of words in the English language but none suitable enough to describe the track we know as “Burden”. The five minute foot stomping track explores phenomenal chilling lows and forceful louds, although I never realised the track was so long until now, over a year since its release.

Complementing the triple attack of guitars, Simmons sings from the heart with guiltless resentment. “Heat, do you feel heat? / Cuz I’m creeping up the side of your bed and onto the sheets / Burn, won’t you let it burn? / You destroyed so many lives and now it’s your turn. / And weep, I hope to God you weep. / You could dig away at your heart but it’s far too deep”. Despite not quite revealing the burden he carries, the imagery and description Simmons employs allows one to make meaning for themselves, adding another element of depth to the song. “Twenty Four” is a clear indication of Simmons’ vocal ability, from sweet low melodies, to yelled hardcore/punk influenced elements. “Rope” is the perfect end to Balance and Composure’s contribution to the split, ending with a bang and demonstrating their fine musicianship. Three guitars can at times result in songs falling apart and feeling messy or incomplete, but the quintet achieves this with clarity and precision. Nearing the end of the track, drummer Bailey Van Ellis keeps these guitars in time, creating a pristine finish.

Tigers Jaw’s involvement on the 12” is almost a wind down from the four intense tracks they follow. Starting strong with “Lodging,” it’s clear to see the Scranton native five piece sit in the indie rock category more comfortably and appropriately than Balance and Composure – they’re more ‘easy listening’ than their brothers from Doylestown. “Jet Alone” sports the simple repetition of witty lyrics, “I want to walk all over you like a floorboard / And I want to lie like a politician / And I want to do the things your friends do / Yeah I want to be just like them.”, which accompanies intricate and relatively clean guitars. The longest of Tigers Jaw’s tracks “Danielson” features a steady drum track courtesy of Pat Brier, reminiscent of the bands’ self titled release. “Dent” finishes the split with subconscious head bobs and big sing-a-longs as duel vocalists McIlwee and Ben Walsh plea “You swore that everything was fine” with passion.

Whilst each song is rich with raw passion, Balance and Composure hit home with me and leave a longer lasting impact. Each track differs from one another on this record, however there are less diverse elements in Tigers Jaw’s tracks. It’s difficult to fault this split and therefore is my favourite split release of all time. Well done Pennsylvania.