On its nose, the double disc CD presentation of a South San Gabriel/Centro-matic “split recording” from Misra records is an interesting attempt at re-vitalizing a once viable means of selling artists. To read old rags (try Maximum Rock and Roll and Punk Planet on for size) split 7” singles and CDRs were enormously popular, and efficient, but seemingly bygone in light of the rampant digitization of music sales. To the voracious music sampler though, the idea of trying two on for the price of one was a delight.
A deeper look at the South San Gabriel/Centro-matic split reveals a side project within a side project (I can hear the scenesters and aficionados salivating now) sourced in a prolific Denton Texas native, Will Johnson. He is both monikers – both monikers are he, and the result is another avenue for a font of creativity to funnel his music through (to wit, the South San Gabriel name is thought to be the dourer of the two). The title of both new records is Dual Hawks, containing 23 total tracks of country rock. The aesthetic split isn’t necessarily as clean as the dour v. elated that the band’s zeitgeists might lead one to believe. What is crucial is that it’s all textured, well crafted songwriting. One song anticipates the next the way a great album should. The engineering on both is masterful – absolutely, full of layer after gratifying layer of sound.
Whatever semantics get laid down because of the split CD presentation, get over it. Both of these records – or the one sum – are striking, emotive, and worthy of a shelf life not unlike more recognizable names Smog, Redhouse Painters. This is on the par with Uncle Tupelo, or any other somber, bleary-eyed western themed singer/songwriters. For this reviewer, the double disc is an entre to what feels like a fantastic world of work. If you’re already onto Johnson, or South San Gabriel, or Centro-matic – whatever, then this should be a matter of routine.
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