Search - Skiba, Seconds :: Split

Hold the phone, people...

EnderKiller | 04/23/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"First of all, I'm a huge Alkaline Trio fan...that being said, I think the Kevin Seconds portion of this CD is actually superior to Skiba's try at solo work. True, he brings the haunted whiskey-and-rye voice to a new height here, but the the production is somewhat lacking. I know it's intentionally supposed to sound lo-fi but it almost sounds lazy. Great songwriting, some nice touches (like the scratchy record) but still just a little disapointing. I know most of you haven't even HEARD of 7 Seconds let alone own an album of theirs, but without bands like 7 Seconds that pushed the boundaries of pop-punk back in the late 80's early 90's when there was only the faintest glimmer of a scene - give him some credit! Second's songs are fun, a bit light but perfect sing-along 'f*** you' songs. A perfect compliment to Skiba's darker side, in my opinion. This split rocks."

Interesting and excellent split

Sancho Perez | the quon | 04/05/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Matt Skiba, the frontman for Alkaline Trio shows he can create awesome melodies and songs without the aid of Dan Andriano or electric guitars. Each song is propelled by a jangly acoustic guitar as sometimes by rudimentary drums and the ocassional baseline. Skiba has such an expressive voice that he is able to pull off such emotion drenched songs as "soul to keep" quite effortlessly. However, the standout track "Good F****** bye" has especially potent lyrics as well as a perfect hook. The bouncy, feel good "city that day" break up the his side's otherwise fatalistic tone nicely. I was taken aback the first time I heard the Kevin Seconds side of the LP. Knowing he was a member of the hardcore band Seven Seconds, I expected deep, harsh vocals and more of a rough style akin to Hot Water Music, instead I heard something more closely resembling the Beach Boys speeded up to 45 rpm. However, the Kevin Seconds songs are surprisingly fun, upbeat and catchy as hell. I found myself singing along to the hilarious "mutherf******", and soon after most of friends started as well. The point is the album is a perfect balance of seriousness and Alkaline Trio type melodies and upbeat, happy Kevin Seconds songs. Im sure fans of either respective band will appreciate this Asian Man release."

New school and Old school collide

The Ricker | Oakland, CA. United States | 06/07/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Kevin Seconds from the world famous 7 seconds and Matt Skiba from the soon to be world famous Alkaline Trio meet head to head for the first time. I like this cd a lot i agree that SKibbs' writing is not up to par with what i'm used to from him but its a decent effort. Kevin Seconds actually blew me away i had zero expectations and he surprised the hell out of me. If you don't like old school punk rock then you will hate it but if you're open minded then you'll love the whole cd and won't have to stop it when Skibbs' songs are over."