Engineer Records have put together another strong release with this, the latest installment in their split CD series which this time showcases another three bands worthy of your attention.

Elemae's three new tracks display all of the New Jersey quintets hallmarks, angular and epic with plenty of passion. Out of the three the multi-faceted "Hospitals & Mazes" just edges it in terms of quality never failing to hold the attention despite clocking in at over six minutes and giving a strong indication that album number three will be the equal of their previous work when it finally sees the light of day. 

The best thing about these kind of split CD's is that inevitably there's a surprise or two in store and this time around the real revelation comes in the shape of the three tracks from Memorial, especially the absolutely corking Pearl Jam meets U2 bombast and dynamic of "If It Helps", stirring stuff indeed. The other two tracks are merely strong by comparison but Memorial are a band worth investigating further on this showing. 

Soon close out the disc with some pulsing bass work and a sing-along chorus on new track "There Go The Boys" before the CD is rounded out with a couple of older tracks, “Inverse Ratio” and the more up-tempo "Serenade The City", which both almost have  a feel of The Bravery  or early Killers about them, not enough to spoil your enjoyment though.  

Of the three bands included here Elemae have delivered what they have excelled at in the past so there were no surprises there. Soon, unfortunately were third best, but to two very good opponents and then not by that much. As mentioned earlier the dark horse was Memorial who came out of nowhere to take top billing this time around. This is possibly the strongest release in the split series so far and serves as the perfect vehicle for both the bands and  the label, get yours now!

John Lewins