ヌンチャク VS イエローマシンガン

Prior to getting my hands on a copy of this split I looked up this Nunchaku band on YouTube. To my horror, they turned out to be mid-90s bro rock, complete with nu metal rapping and dull chugs. I'm no purist—just check my review of Yellow Machinegun's split with melodic hardcore band Abnormals—but every man has his limits. What a relief to finally listen to this split and discover that whoever compiled it had the good judgment to select one of Nunchaku's more agreeable tracks. The drums and guitar riff of “Nunchakura” are simple, focusing solely on speed and aggression. The vocals serve the same purpose, alternating between enraged screeches, gang shouts and guttural screams. There's no dynamics to speak of and I wouldn't call it catchy, but it has the sort of raw energy you'd find in a mosh-ready thrash song or grindcore album.

Yellow Machinegun is represented with “Vanish Your Being”, a track typical of their style. It's a succinct thrasher with prominent bass, strained vocals and an enjoyably groovy bridge. The punk influence is clear which comes as no surprise since it's also the opener of their first and punkiest LP, Father's Golden Fish. You're better off just getting that album. The only thing potentially enticing about this release is Nunchaku's track. It's not exclusive either, being the title cut from their second album. Chances are that album is not in your collection, but even so, this split ranks low in Yellow Machinegun's discography. “Nunchakura” is surprisingly decent, but not mandatory. Diehards who must own everything from either band will find the packaging adequate. The white lettering on black cover is boring, but the back includes two of action films' most famous torsos. Bruce Lee and Rambo wield the weapons featured in both bands' names. It's not subtle, but this is no place to be looking for subtlety.