Tobias Hellkvist/Metronomes
Split
Dolceola Records

Tobias Hellkvist's segment of the split opens strongly with "Vintervarm" from the album "Sides". The following track, "Always problems", is thickly instrumented, as many of Hellkvist's other compositions are, reminiscent of Broken Social Scene's more experimental efforts. At six minutes, though, "Always problems" doesn't have the movement or flair that the majority of "Sides" holds, but as a track on a split EP, the track entertains. "Ships of the North Atlantic" is the standout on Side A, demonstrating Hellkvist's talents as a vocalist.

Scotland's Metronomes work in a similar vein to Tobias Hellkvist: strata of guitars bleeding out their reverb-heavy lines into compositions that tread the territory between downhearted and uplifted. Metronomes would not feel out of place on Polyvinyl Records' stellar roster in the 90s. "Bridge and tunnel" has the quiet confidence of an American Football or a Sea and Cake track, gliding along on its clean, delayed guitar stabs, and the other contributions to the split continue this Midwestern indie/postrock feel.

The split is well-balanced, though skews ever slightly towards Tobias Hellkvist's faculties. It's still worth the effort to track down, especially for anyone who still holds a torch for acts like Owen and Cap'n Jazz.
- Lars Garvey Laing-Peterson