Getting together with friends is important: you can catch up, re-acquaint over times gone by, and create new memories. A good split-disc functions in much the same way. Two bands come together to share a common space and, hopefully, create some pretty memorable sounds.
The Sanderlings and The Dashburns have now entered into this familiar territory with the aptly titled The Sanderlings/The Dashburns. Friends for years, the two bands lend three songs each to this split-disc released by Ark Royal Records. 
On the disc and at live shows the Sanderlings occupy the Beatles/Apples in Stereo role while the Dashburns fulfill the Rolling Stones/Grifters part—music that utilizes harmonies and intricate song craft and music that is propelled by energy and rhythm.
The first three tracks belong to the Sanderlings. They open with “Oh Darlin” and “Chicken Pox.” “Oh Darlin” is the poppier of the two while “Chicken Pox” comes through with an epic, tango feel. Both showcase the band rocking through tightly crafted songs with the voices of Josh Evans and Ben Masters skillfully working around lyrics that are at times reminiscent of They Might Be Giants.
The stand out track is “Reptoids.” It opens with a raucous riff and then expounds on the theme of strange reptilian creatures that may or may not control the world. With tight harmonies and lyrical content it is a polished rock ‘n roll spin.
The Dashburns portion of the disc starts with “Second Coming.” The guitars are distorted, creating a layered effect that draws on the sound of Spacemen 3. The vocals are more often screamed than sang, imbuing shoegaze-y songs with the power of the Stooges.
“Scrimshaw” may be the best song for that reason alone; however on “The Wheel” the band goes on a different tangent. They blend two parts of varying tempo to create a solid contrast. The whole thing leads into a closing jam with each band member producing tightly syncopated parts that bring the disc to finish.
Track Listing:
1. Second Coming
2. Scrimshaw
3. Wheel
4. Oh Darlin
5. Chicken Pox
6. Reptoids
