Written by Nicole Guzman
Starting off the new year in 2019, Origami Angel teamed up with Commander Salamander for a split EP. Titled “Holy Split”, it was released on January 11th under Chatterbot Records.
The two Washington D.C.-based emo-pop-punk bands came together to create four songs, two from each band, making the EP a seven-minute mix of punk and indie tracks. The EP's first half belongs to American emo-pop duo Origami Angel, consisting of guitarist and vocalist Ryland Heagy and drummer Pat Doherty.
Having released two EPs previously, “Quiet Hours” in 2017 and “Doing the Most” in 2018, they have no issue grabbing the listeners' attention for these first two tracks. Opening the EP is “Denny’s Devito”, a personal favorite of mine due to the contrast between the sonic and lyrical elements.
Instrumentally, the track takes on a fast-paced route with lively drums and punchy guitar riffs while lyrically, Heagy sings about the hardships of wanting to be someone other than yourself. Next up is “Origami Bagel”, shifting from melancholy feelings to a classic love song.
The drums and guitar create a loveable indie sound, making this a highlight of the release. Lyrically, it can be interpreted a few different ways, but I feel it can best be described by the lines, “In these memories...as long as I have that I’ll never be alone”.
The next half of “Holy Split” introduces us to Commander Salamander, an American trio consisting of guitarist and vocalist Claudio Benedi, bassist Fernando Moyano, and drummer Liam Crone. “Kenny”, their first track, is a fun listen despite being one of the shorter songs here.
“Holy Split” closes with “Wassup My Good Man”, another quick one, but an amazing listen nonetheless. Between the ear-catching guitar riffs and Benedi’s vocals, this track shows us the true meaning of quality over quantity.
Even though this EP is on the shorter side, it holds its ground and continues to be a solid release for both Origami Angel and Commander Salamander. Feel free to go back and give it a listen and tweet us your thoughts at @lgndsoftmrw!
"Holy Split" is available to stream wherever you listen to music, along with both bands' entire discographies. You can support them by following them on Twitter @OrigamiAngelDC and @CdrSalamanderVA and picking up something via Counterintuitive Records or Bandcamp.
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