Spark Of Life / Freewill – Split 7″ (New Age Records)

In a harmonious collision of punk sensibilities, Spark Of Life and Freewill split 7″ release is a nostalgic yet fresh exploration into melodic hardcore and post-hardcore universes. Both bands, veterans in their own right, bring their unique flavors to the table, resulting in a record that pays homage to their melodic hardcore roots while propelling the genre forward.

Hailing from the Los Angeles suburbs, Spark Of Life emerges from a longevous hiatus to demonstrate how melodic hardcore should sound nowadays. Their offering begins with “Memmer?…U Memmer!” – a sonic journey that effortlessly merges late-eighties and early-nineties DC hardcore with an ethereal melodic punk rock sound. The guitars take center stage with reverberating, arpeggiated chord progressions, harmonies, and infectious melodies. The rhythm section contributes with heaviness, clarity, depth, groove, and pace, making “Memmer?…U Memmer!” such a perfectly balanced piece. “Song Of Hope” takes a mellower turn, embodying a calm post-hardcore vibes with a hint of eighties and nineties indie sound. Comedian Fred Armisen’s unexpected appearance on drums adds an extra layer of intrigue to this standout track, while the vocals, oscillating between clean, melodic chants and rebellious shoutouts, seamlessly complement the intricate guitar work. Spark Of Life’s side is a masterclass in sonic diversity, showcasing their ability to navigate different punk subgenres with finesse.

Formed in 1987, with a mission to blend DC hardcore with West Coast melodic punk rock, Freewill continues to impress with its profoundly melodic yet energetic sound. “The Weight” opens with moderate rhythmic sequences and tastefully assembled basslines that serve as the song’s backbone. The lead vocals shine with a perfect balance between low, mid, and high notes, emphasizing the instrumentation in all the right places. The track exemplifies Freewill’s ability to create melodic hardcore music that appeals even to the most discerning fans. “As We Sleep” picks up the pace with faster beats, more delicate low-ends, heavily distorted riffs, harmonies, and infectious melodies. The lead vocalist’s masterful performance once again takes center stage, steering the song towards classic Californian melodic punk rock. Freewill’s side of the split is a high-energy journey that showcases their unwavering commitment to their unique sound.

The Spark Of Life/Freewill split 7″ is a must-listen for anyone remotely interested in post-hardcore, melodic hardcore, melodic punk rock, or punk rock in general. Both bands deliver outstanding performances, from vocal articulations to sonic and rhythmic prowess. The vinyl variants, ranging from swamp green to yellow with red splatter, offer a visually appealing complement to the auditory experience. Whether you’re a punk purist or a newcomer to the scene, this split release is a gem that deserves a spot in your collection. Head to New Age Records for more information about ordering and dive into the sonic brilliance crafted by Spark Of Life and Freewill.