Mobtown
Big Stir, 2025
9/10
The long running indie rockers Splitsville return with their first album since 2003, and they pick up right where they left off with these 10 power-pop fueled gems.
The buzzing “Cold Open” leads with Brandt Huseman’s thumping drums alongside dense guitars and plenty of muscle, and “A Glorious Lie” follows with harmonizing vocals and no lack of melody present across some dreamy moments, too.
The middle spot belongs to the calmer “Gray”, where Matt Huseman’s cozy acoustic guitar is met with soulful moments, while “I Hate Going To Hutzler’s” builds into an anthemic rocker that’s charged, tuneful and invites singing-along.
“Perry Hall” and “Penn Station” exit the record. The former is intimate initially, before lush ideas enter the meticulous album highlight, and the latter is a heartfelt moment that incorporates Paul Krysiak’s string arrangements via the sophisticated finish.
A triumphant return indeed, Splitsville need to stick around-ville, cause their timeless power-pop, ‘90s alt-rock nods and guitar driven rock is nothing short of superb.
Travels well with: Crossword Smiles- Consequences + Detours; Nelson Bragg- Mélodie de Nelson: A Pop Anthology