Ah, the many shades of pop/punk. This split between NY’s Red And Blue and MIchigan’s Traffic & Weather is a perfect example of the broad brush of this genre.

Red And Blue are up first. These six songs were recorded by the illustrious Phil Douglas of Latterman. Red And Blue are occupying the more geeky side of pop/punk. Lyrically, the boys are singing about the day to day monotony of life and the restlessness that comes along with that feeling. Red And Blue are sloppy, pop punk fun…nothing more, nothing less.

From the ashes of The Gibbons comes Traffic & Weather. The Gibbons were an absolutely fantastic punk band much in the mold of Jawbreaker and The Lawrence Arms. Traffic & Weather, while perhaps being a bit more dynamic than The Gibbons, are still occupying the same sonic territory. This is pissed off melodic pop-punk with razor sharp lyrics and vocals.

Like a tour through the unending reaches of pop/punk, this split showcases two bands playing a well worn style with power, affection and their own signature. Well done on both sides.

Genre: Pop/Punk

RIYL: The Gibbons, The Lawrence Arms, Halo Fauna

Label: Los Diaper Records/Mandible Records

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www.myspace.com/trafficandweather