Movies With Heroes is what I like to call a 'gateway band.' They take an established genre (in this case indie rock and pop-rock), and they successfully sculpt it into a sound that is generally approachable to a wider audience. If the outcome is a success, then the listeners will normally explore a wider range of music (as opposed to the crap they are so accustomed to subjecting themselves to).

Movies with Heroes kicks the album off, with a sound that's suggestive of Doug Martsch fronting a melodic Sunny Day Real Estate. Movie With Heroes' feature song seems to be the hook-laden Boy Scout Secrets.

What I like most about Movies With Heroes (and you should too) is that they present good poppy emo (I don't care if I used the 'e' word or not) music without most of the crap that the genre is getting pigeonholed for. The only song that seems to be about a girl is Boy Scout Secrets, and she's not dumping, cheating, or laughing at him. Thanks Movies With Heroes, hopefully sad emo musicians everywhere will learn from your example and write about things other than being neglected by girls.

In Clover is also what I would consider a 'gateway band,' but they employ a more subtle stream of influences. The vocals are simply gorgeous, and are at times accompanied by carefully placed harmonies. Like MWH, In Clover is heavily supported by stirring melodies that are every bit as good as you could hope for.

The only major criticism about In Clover is that the recording is a bit less than desirable, but sometimes bands who are talent rich start off with small bank accounts.

It's a rare split that both bands are able to present a sound that makes you want to support both bands. This is one such CD that I would gladly recommend to anyone. Long live the gateway bands!

Go buy this album now! Theory 8 Records

Mike Frost
www.buzzgrinder.com