Gxllium!/Onewaymirror - Split

Labels: Zegema Beach Records

Formats: CD/Digital

Release Date: 26 Feb 2024

Tracklist:

1. Gxllium! - If Hector Was A Beaver

2. Gxllium! - The Ballad Of Buster Scruggs

3. Gxllium! - Who Pooped (The Dinosaur Did It)

4. Onewaymirror - Let's Make The Most Of This

5. Onewaymirror - She's Only Yours For A Minute

A new release on CD?! That's right, the physical medium that mainstream media outlets will have you believe is dying is definitely still alive and kicking. This split features two of California's newest emo-violence bands and was limited to 200 copies, with ZBR's 20 selling out almost instantly. The other 180 copies went to the bands.

Once again I prove that I’m ahead of the curve by reviewing a sold out release! Of course I’m joking (I know that British sarcasm doesn’t often translate well in a written form). All releases deserve time and space, especially sick splits like this. First up are three tracks from Gxllium! beginning with ‘If Hector Was A Beaver’, which is quite frankly a disgustingly good slab of noisy, mathy emo-violence with quality guitar work thrown into the mix on a song that darts all over the place. Mind-already-blown.

Their next track ‘The Ballad Of Buster Scruggs’ is no less intense with a brutal intro, scathing vocals and instrumentation that is anxiety-inducing to say the least. Add to that a penchant for bass-heavy noise and you’re onto a winner if you like your music chaotic. Final song ‘Who Pooped (The Dinosaur Did It) is that crazed mix of every sub-genre ever, from grind to hardcore to power-violence, not necessarily in that order.

Onewaymirror initially sound a lot more straightforward as they open ‘Let’s Make The Most Of This’ but it’s not too long before they go for the jugular too. The low-end riffs and harsh/semi-clean vocals add to their already hefty sound. With a greater nod to metalcore, Onewaymirror grab your attention without even trying.

Their second and final song ‘She’s Only Yours For A Minute’ lasts all of about ninety-seconds and while they don’t in anyway attempt to hit that illusive “brown note” that apparently exists in some musical circles, they do make the earth move thanks to their love of downtuned riffs and bass-heavy tones. It would have been awesome to have had one more song from Onewaymirror here, but beggars can’t be choosers. 

This split is wild. It’s on the extreme end of screamo for sure but that’s exactly where Gxllium! and Onewaymirror sit. 2024 is already going too quickly and new releases are proving harder than ever to keep up with but you’d be remiss if you overlooked this one. 

You can stream and purchase the split digitally below:-

Gxllium! - https://gxllium.bandcamp.com

Onewaymirror - https://onewaymirror.bandcamp.com

Zegema Beach Records - https://www.facebook.com/zegemabeachrecords