Windings/Land Lovers

Split albums aren't something you seen very often these days, but this joint venture between Limerick's Windings and Dublin's Land Lovers is a ringing endorsement. Although the two bands share similar musical DNA (most notably in their propensity for the odd jangly guitar riff), their respective sounds differ enough to be complementary. Windings operate under a gloomier veil, their four songs more prone to extended rock wig-outs and ominous basslines, as heard on Bladerubber. The goofy, zippy bounce of Land Lovers on Matilda, Vittima di Cucina and the warm, Orange Juice-esque bumble of Close Embrace provide the yin to their associates' occasionally murky yang. Fans of considered pop music with lyrical smarts and a big melodic heart will rightly see this album as a two-for-one bargain. windingslandlovers.bandcamp.com

Download: Bladerubber , Close Embrace , Matilda