No More Fear/Cut It OutNo More Fear, who plays posi hardcore comes all the way from Italy, while Cut It Out who play a spiteful brand of spite ridden punk hardcore about hating everyone and everything come from Southern NJ. This 7" was released for the two bands who went on a short stint together in the NE over the summer.
No More Fear had some pretty cool lyrics, I especially dug the Ozone Song which is self explanatory. It isn't just mindless shouting "YOU FUCKED THE OZONE BY SMOKING CIGARETTES!", it actually gets a little scientific and explains how scientist use the scapegoat of the methane is cow farts is to blame but it is actually the chemicals in cleaning solvents and refrigerator propellants. "Rise Again" is another one that is self explanatory. "Far From Us" is a politically charged song about the governments of the world that would rather make money by dealing weapons than feeding the poor. "Family Business" is a song that talks out against the division in hardcore by the way of crews/gangs.
Cut It Out's lyrics are completely opposite of NMF, in that they are a lot more pessimistic. It's Curtains is a song that talks about leading a dull 9-5 job. The song "I Hate Myself" doesn't really much of an explanation, same with, You're A Joke". The final song, "Already Heard It" is about bands that talks down on others without taking a look in the mirror.
Both bands recorded at separate studios. No More Fear at some Milan studio and Cut It Out at Slap Studios in Philfadelphia, PA. As much as I'd rather give the nod to my hometown in production for this, NMF's side sounds a lot better. At the same time they both sport a rough sound, CIO's is just a bit rougher.
Very cool goofy black and white xeroxed cover. Crazy looking cartoon characters are placed throughout, throwing up and skateboarding and wearing Nike dunks to boot, ha, good shit. The only gripe with the layout is that it seems to be more indicative of Cut It Out rather than No More Fear because I doubt a vegan band eats pepperoni pizza and meatballs. The inside of the sleeve displays lyrics for both bands and a nice live shot of each band with the thank you's, etc,. The Cut It Out Wu-Tang sticker was a nice little bonus too haha.
Rating: 3.6/5
Sections Worthy of Replay: Family Business (NMF) and It's Curtains (CIO)
Synopsis: Very cool DIY spirited record that brings together two bands that are not only worlds apart literally, but figuratively as well. The old school xeroxed black and white cover brings it back it a time before pressing records was "cheap(er)". The records come in clear red, blue, and solid white. These things are 4 bucks so if you like what you hear check the labels website: www.SidetoSideRecords.com To check out some tracks hit up Myspace.com/sidetosiderecords