Matchbook Romance and Motion City Soundtrack are two bands who have both done extremely well since the release of both their debut albums in 2003. Both bands have toured the world because of their debuts and now are both back recording, looking to release new albums in 2005. In the meantime, there's a bit of time to release a split with new songs to keep the fans happy, but this is a split with a difference, they've both gone acoustic.

First up, it's Matchbook Romance with two songs, one is a new acoustic song, "In Transit (For You)", and the other is an acoustic version of, "Playing For Keeps" which was originally on their debut album, 'Stories and Alibis'. "In Transit (For You)" is a cool song to kick off with and one of the things that totally surprised me about this song was that it didn't even sound like Matchbook Romance. It is not the greatest song but it is a song that features a lot more edgy and more mature vocals from MBR singer, Andrew Jordan, and differs a lot from anything that was on, 'Stories and Alibis.' The next track was,"Playing For Keeps," now this was one of my favourite songs on, 'Stories and Alibis', so I wasn't quite sure how I'd feel about this version. The acoustic version is a nice version and sounds more like Matchbook Romance but I think, I slightly prefer the original electric version.

Next up, it's Motion City Soundtrack's turn, now if I'm honest then it's MCS who are the reason why I bought this Split EP. Not that I'm not a fan of MBR but Motion City Soundtrack's debut album, 'I Am The Movie' was without doubt my favourite album of last year, so I couldn't wait to get hold of this split CD, even if there were only 2 new MCS songs on it. The first MCS track is, "When You're Around", which totally brightens up this split and even without MCS's trademark moog, this is another brilliant tune guaranteed to put a smile on your face. The next song, "Sunday Warning", isn't really an acoustic song and that's probably a good thing as this split ends on a bit more of a full on track. Still MCS minus moog, but this is a really great track which flows along effortlessly and has a great drum beat in the background as well as the always beautiful vocals from Justin Pierre which altogether produces the best track on the split.

I know the idea of a split isn't for people to choose who came out on top at the end of it all, but the fact is we can't help it. If you have one CD with two bands' names on it, then what do you expect. Both bands show good form on this split but there can be on one winner, so the winner is Motion City Soundtrack. Bet you didn't see that coming.

Check out both bands websites at the following locations:
Matchbook Romance : www.matchbookromance.com
Motion City Soundtrack : www.motioncitysoundtrack.com