The Sidekicks/Tigers Jaw Split is the second split from the Tigers Jaw, a grunge/indie five-piece who have already attracted a considerable following after signing to Run For Cover records and gained notability after the release of their sophomore record, Two Worlds. The Scranton, PA based Tigers Jaw clearly have a bigger name than The Sidekicks and have evidently provided them with an opportunity to be exposed to a wider fan-base. Much like the Tigers Jaw split with Balance and Composure back in 2010, it seems likely that this gamble will pay off, with credit due both to Tigers Jaw, for promoting the sounds of a smaller and less well-known band, and to The Sidekicks, for taking full-advantage of said opportunity by releasing two killer tracks.

The Sidekicks’s side includes “Little James,” a tremendously melancholy exertion reflecting the small-town Ohio surroundings that shape this band’s writing. Their incredibly endearing style is sustained by the lead vocals of Steve Ciolek (Vocals, Guitar), which draw comparisons to the unfaultable stylings of Dan Andriano (Alkaline Trio) and Chuck Ragan (Hot Water Music). The second track is a cover of Elvis Costello’s “(Angels Wanna Wear) My Red Shoes” and transports the listeners back to the late 70s, with front man Ciolek providing a rather impressive imitation of the London pub-rocker-turned-superstar. 

The split then shifts to the more established Tigers Jaw, with “Jimmy Piersall” representing their brand of sound: a poppier version of the hardcore Basement and Title Fight meets The Subways indie, with some keyboard thrown in for good measure. Tigers Jaw has a a female member, a rarity in this scene, especially when she’s not the forced centrepiece, appealing immediately to the young, male demographic. Instead, Tigers Jaw for allowing Brianna Collins to sit equally among the other members and to execute her job effectively – providing catchy synth hooks and the odd backing vocal. The cover of Scranton comrades Okay Paddy’s “Boots ‘n Hanks” is a little disappointing; depressing groans bear some resemblance to Weezer but are unlikely to provoke nostalgia for the majority of listeners who haven’t heard of Okay Paddy, thus missing the mark on this tune. 

Overall, as splits go, it would be fair to say that this will be one of the more memorable – whilst the covers may well have served better as original tracks from both acts, the finished product is a decent representation of two bands that have the potential to go much further.

★★★☆☆

*This review was composed by Ramsey Marwan