Iron Cross & Keyside Strike - 7" Split on "Koi Records"

IRON CROSS & KEYSIDE STRIKE - "SPLIT / KOI RECORDS SPLIT VOL. 5" ("Koi Records"; 7"):

Yeahr, that's cool, after their "comeback" album the mighty IRON CROSS are already back again with a fine split 7" on the very sympathic label "Koi Records" (you know, that are the guys who are also putting out the delicious releases of the great S.S.S.P.) with the british KEYSIDE STRIKE. So you can say that this fine 7" is a new representation of the old "american - british friendship" idea. From IRON CROSS we do get the both tracks "Pride & Freedom" and "I Don't Love You Anymore". Great songs, hymnal '77 Punkrock influenced American Oi! of the championsleague class, but it's a little bit pity that after something like nearly two decades of releasing nothing new we do get on this collectors 7" release just two tracks that are also already released on their "comeback" record (and of course "I Don't Love You Anymore" is also a very old song from the first days of the band, like you all should know). I mean, if you ask me, then there could have been a little bit more to it, I hope you understand what I mean. Okay, but this changes nothing when it comes to the songs as songs, the quality of the music, they are really just great songs that you really need to know!!! Also great lyrics, and this time the lyrics are also printed. Great!!! IRON CROSS do get 10 out of 10 points, no other action is possible. Then there are coming KEYSIDE STRIKE that are delivering us some Hardcore the raw and fast and noisy old school way of sound. It's good stuff that they are bringing us here to hear, but they work a little bit too frantically what averts that the songs really flow free and develop their full potential, but if they keep on working on this point then they could become also even better, after they are already a truly good band, maybe a little bit comparable to legendary SLAPSHOT from Boston. We do get also some good lyrics from them, and one guy in the band looks damn akin like Burt Reynolds, so how could you go wrong after all, haha. KEYSIDE STRIKE do get 8 out of 10 points. On top both bands deliver us there songs (we do get two from each band) in a very good production sound, then the artwork just looks awesome and damn fantastic, and the vinyl comes coloured in a purple / red / black splatter look. It rocks!!! It rules!!! I don't know something about any kinds of limitations, but I could bet that it's strictly limited, so if you have the chance to get it, then damn, just get it!!! (9 of 10 points)

(Contact: http://www.myspace.com/ironcrossthefellas)

(Contact: http://www.myspace.com/keysidestrikehc)