Mercy Killers “Blood Love” & Enemy Rose “split ep”

This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 26th, 2006 by George Koroneos

Mercy Killers
“Blood Love”
Hellcat

Mercy Killers/Enemy Rose
“Split e.p.”
I Scream Records

The Mercy Killers play rock that straddles the line between melodic and just plain dark. We’re not talking AFI or Alkaline Trio dark here–these guys are tried and true punks–but the sound is far softer than expected from a band that has it’s roots in Lars and the Bastards and The Original Sinners.

Their debut full-length on Epitaph imprint Hellcat, is awash with a fine layer of distortion. Drums hammer down on songs like “Hollow” and “I’m Not Wasted,” while songs like “End Transmission” and the title track drips with subtle guitar nuances and pure singing by Craig Fairbaugh who has the rasp of Mike Ness tweaked with a near-invisible lisp. It’s the perfect punk rock voice.

To tie in with the band’s new record, I Scream has gone ahead and reissued their self-title debut single and tacked on an e.p. from Enemy Rose. All four tracks on the split also appear on “Blood Love,” but with the exception of “I’m Not Wasted,” all the tracks on the split sound 10 times louder, cooler and just plain more rock ‘n’ roll. The production isn’t as fuzzy on the split and the songs just kill it. Goes to show you where high cost production gets you.
The real gem on the split is Enemy Rose, a pseudo rockabilly punk band that kicks all ass. Three-part harmonies, fast, three chord guitar riffs and some killer punk solos make for a band that has a bright future ahead. I can’t wait to hear their full-length.

“Blood Love”– Doesn’t Rock l Kinda Rocks l Rocks l Really Rocks

“Split e.p.”– Doesn’t Rock l Kinda Rocks l Rocks l Really Rocks

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