I like splits I do.

For this toe to toe I'll have to admit White Flag get the nod from moi because their brand of punk rock is more to my pallet and they have a few impressive tunes split over 14 tracks. Versus You play a pretty modern Anti-Flag kinda punk rock with dashes of bands like Bad Religion thrown into the mix but on reflection, whilst they have some nifty tunes, they just were up against a formidable opponent in White Flag.

They kick proceedings off in a very modern punk styley with 'The Mad Ones' but, saving the best til last, 'This War Is Like A Drug' has a very (dare I say it) latter day Green Day feel to it, but the bottom line is whoever it might be influenced by it's a good song with a good hook. They get to the end of their set with the melodic guitar licks of 'Spread The Epidemic' and, all in all, this is a nice introduction for me to a new band with an impressive collection of songs.

Over to White Flag; these American punk rockers have nailed eight tracks to this here split and get things off to a riotous start with the excellent 'Forever Changes'. Whilst ploughing a well worn furrow, and not too dissimilar to Versus You, there is a little more 'Old School' about White Flag and the songs are just that much better. The catchy as fuck 'What Can I Do In A Day?' is a great pop edged track with a little bit of a vintage Lemonheads kind of feel to it. Where White Flag work best for me is on 'Architects' with its edgy riff and chantalong vocals - it's a great buzz of a track with some wicked axework. 'Magically Delicious' has an intro on loan from the guitar work of Johnny Ramone but makes way for some dreamy verses, but in a good way of course - bottom line is it's a great song. Before the album is out we have the full honkin' horn section on 'Please Stand By' as they go for a punked up Kinks kinda feel before finally getting the full-on get the gear and get outta town vibe on 'The Witch', which also features Versus You, so a true split by two very decent bands.

All in all a budget-busting release that gives you a good idea of both bands and what they're about and, the best thing of all, some pretty good music on offer as well. Good work chaps, I like it.

www.myspace.com/whiteflagofficialmyspacesite

www.myspace.com/vsyou