A split single featuring not one but two ATW favorites? Sign me up! I’m talking about a Snappy Little Numbers love connection between The Drolls and Gentlemen Rogues.
Let’s start with Gentlemen Rogues, who contribute Young Til’ We Die. Contrary to what the title might suggest, this isn’t a 7 Seconds cover but a prototypical Gentlemen Rogues song. Few current bands play this kind of powerful and rockin’ alt-pop as well as this Austin outfit and this is the latest proof – make sure to check out their recent full-length if you haven’t already. Their second track is in fact a cover, transforming The Rolling Stones’ Connection into something unmistakably their own, complete with an intro and outro that subtly yet deliberately nods to the Misfits.
On the flipside, we find The Drolls’ contributions. Though still a relatively new band, The Drolls (Seattle) bring veteran experience to the table – being two parts Sicko, one part Chinchilla, both ’90s cult favorites. This marks their third release in two years (read our thoughts on the previous releases elsewhere on the site), and they continue to impress. Their original tune Burned Out is a vibrant, colorful indie pop-punk gem, while their take on The Housemartins’ Happy Hour is bouncy and sparkling.
Two new songs by two cool bands plus two great covers? That’s one hell of a deal.