Split 7”
Pirates Press, 2020
10/10
Territories and The Vicious Cycles are 2 of the best modern day punk outfits, and they both happen to be from Canada. Here they share a 7”, and each offer an exceptional tune that are in line with the greatness achieved by their respective recent albums.
Territories starts the listen with the punk rock’n’roll of “Prairie Twister”, where their highly melodic and anthemic brand of punk rock sounds better than ever as plenty of rhythm accompanies the gritty tune that’s exclusive to this release, and The Vicious Cycles continue the theme with the rousing, charged “Problem Officer”. An instant sing-along with well placed organ, this just might the theme for 2020 with its topical lyrical matter that’s as memorable as it is energetic.
This one’s limited to 500 and on white wax. I suppose it’s a good way to test the waters of these 2 outfits, but, quite honestly, be prepared to spring for their albums, too, especially if legends like Descendents, Bouncing Souls and Cock Sparrer are in your collection.
Travels well with: Territories- When The Day Is Done; The Ratchets- First Light