Matt Skiba & Kevin Seconds

Matt Skiba & Kevin Seconds
“Split CD”
(Asian Man Records)

I pretty much always hate splits, but this one is fantastic.  Matt Skiba is the lead singer for Alkaline Trio and Kevin Seconds (like you didn’t know) is the lead singer for 7 Seconds.  Both fellas contributed five solo tracks for this split.  Both guys also played the majority of the instruments on this mostly acoustic album themselves.  Matt Skiba’s “Good Fucking Bye” is knocking on the door of my all-time Top 10 songs, “Next to You” contains the line, “You blow my mind like a Colt .45 every time”, and “Soul to Keep” just plain rules.  Skiba’s simple mastery of thoughtful emotions is complemented perfectly by the stripped-down accompaniment.  Kevin Seconds’ efforts seem a little more misdirected than those of Skiba.  Seconds tracks are largely focused upon the days of yore, as the titles “1981” and “Yesteryear” will attest.  With the acoustic format, Seconds’ trademark snarl becomes the focus of attention, rather than the tumultuous cacophony one would expect from 7 Seconds.  As such, Seconds’ songs lack some of the vitality found within Skiba’s offerings.  Still, the damn thing isn’t a contest and this is one of the better splits ever, so go pick it up.