Spells/Custody

Split 7”

Snappy Little Numbers, 2021

9/10

Listen to Split 7”

Colorado meets Finland on this split record, where the 5 piece Denver rockers SPELLS and the tuneful Helsinki punks Custody each bring us 1 tune of their gritty and memorable version of rock.

The Custody side leads with thumping drums from Joose, before swirling guitars from Ilkka and Pasi lay the foundation for the charged and anthemic rocker that wouldn’t be out of place on a mixtape with Samiam, The Get Up Kids or even Planes Mistaken For Stars. Frontman Sami does a great job here, where his smooth pipes are also a bit rugged while still tying into the melodic sing-alongs quite fluidly.

Spells make great use of their side with an infectious, hand clapping romper that benefits from Stevie Shithead’s gruff vocals as well as Ella Sugar’s soulful pipes. The rhythm section of Duke ‘Box’ Standard (bass) and Peter ‘P’ Bohner (drums) anchor the bristling yet rhythmic version of vacation rock, that’s as unique as it is exciting.

Limited to just 500 physical copies (there’s just 16 left as I type this), but also available digitally as a ‘name your price’ option, if you're unfamiliar with either of these bands this is a great place to start. For the current fans, well, devouring this is an absolute must.

Travels well with: Spells & Hooper- ‘Rock N Roll Swap Meet: Day 1’; State Drugs- Live. Laugh. Love