Review Summary: It was a handshake to fulfill a fair trade
Old Gray continues their trend of sounding like a different screamo band on every release; this time around they've opted for a post-rock tinged Touche Amore sound. Old Gray are consistently passable regardless of the screamo band they're ripping off: whether it be Merchant Ships, Sed Non Satiata, or in this case Touche Amore. It's a good thing they went the way of short songs a la Touche Amore because I only really ever need five minutes of Old Gray. Old Gray's side is short, forgettable, but passable, and serves mostly as an appetizer for Tiny Moving Parts' side.
The guitar work on Tiny Moving Parts' side is more subtle than ever before, and an emphasis has been placed on blending the vocals with the guitar, whereas before the majority of the focus was on the guitar work. Dylan's vocals and lyrics are much improved as well. His lyrics are not as silly and over-dramatic, and he has much more cadence/control in his voice. A lot of emo bands lose their appeal once they adopt a more mature sound, but Tiny Moving Parts' songwriting ability and charm help keep them afloat in a sea of change.
Old Gray's side showcases the band's penchant for derivative screamo and identity crises, while Tiny Moving Parts' side serves mostly as a sampler for the band's upcoming second full length album. Overall this split should satisfy any midwestern emo fan who has eleven minutes to spare.
