Split Intentions - Selfi-Titled Review

Split Intentions - Selfi-Titled Review

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Split intentions might leave you feeling conflicted about how you feel regarding this new hardcore band from Ohio. The music here carries a certain raw, janky energy, which seems to stem from the fact that some of the members might still be in the process of learning their instruments and figuring out their sound. The rough edges are most noticeable in the guitar work, which shows potential but often stumbles during transitions. While the riffs themselves are decent, the shifts from one part to another tend to feel abrupt and clunky—like in songs such as “Break,” “13,” and “Holy Ghost.” These sudden style changes disrupt the flow of the EP, leaving things feeling a bit disjointed at times.

A key issue with the guitars is that they’re mixed a bit too high in the overall sound. As a result, they can drown out the other instruments, especially on tracks like “Break,” where the excessive focus on the guitar work leaves the bass, drums, and vocals struggling to stand out. That being said, there are moments where the riffs land perfectly, sounding fat and full, almost "churchy" in their heaviness, as you hear on tracks like “Wish You Would” and “Pass Away.” If they tighten up those transitions and find a more balanced mix, this band could easily grow into something more cohesive and powerful.

Vocally, there’s a lot of room for growth. At times, the vocals sound solid, even engaging, but at others, they come off as inexperienced or too clean—lacking the grit and intensity that would give the performance real character. The band's best moments vocally come when the unclean screams are rougher and more abrasive, especially on tracks like “Break” and “Wish You Would.” There’s definitely potential here, but the delivery could use more consistency and emotional weight.

Lyrically, the band has done a commendable job. The lyrics feel sincere, and there’s a raw, relatable quality to them that helps tie the music together. It’s clear that the band is pouring something genuine into their work, which is always a good sign for future development.

The drums are straightforward and solid, though not particularly flashy. They hold things together well enough, offering tight rhythms with occasional bursts of energy, especially on tracks like “Pass Away” and “13.” However, for the most part, the drumming doesn’t do much to elevate the material—it's functional but never really impresses.

One of the standout elements of the band’s sound is the bass. It’s got a deep, thick tuning that really cuts through the mix and adds a weighty presence to the tracks. This is easily the most consistent and confident aspect of their sound—unlike the guitars and vocals, the bass never feels underdeveloped. Tracks like “Intro” and “Pass Away” show off the bass’s full potential, delivering some seriously heavy, driving tones.

Ultimately, while this release packs plenty of heavy moments, the pacing and flow of the songs often feel off, and the overall execution isn't quite there yet. There’s a lot of potential, but it feels like the band is still finding its footing. The roughness and occasional lack of polish might turn some listeners off, but if they can refine their sound and tighten up the execution, there’s definitely a future here.

RATING: 6/10

NOTABLE TRACKS: 

 

Break 

Pass Away

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