The Odd Man Out / Brave Out split is a bruising, high-energy showcase of straightedge hardcore from two different continents, tied together by shared intent and physical intensity. While both bands approach the genre from slightly different angles, the split works because of that contrast—precision and control on one side, raw urgency on the other.

Odd Man Out open the record with authority, immediately reminding you why they remain one of Seattle’s most reliable hardcore bands. “Sold Out” hits hard from the first seconds, driven by bold, pounding drums and a thick, forward bass tone. The vocals sound clearer and more forceful than before, cutting through the mix with confidence. The band lock into familiar territory—tight breakdowns, clean two-step grooves—but everything feels sharpened, deliberate, and heavy without being bloated.

That command carries through “Odd Man Out” and “To the Point,” where the band shift effortlessly between slow, crushing mosh parts and short, fast, punk-rooted bursts. The transitions are seamless, and the raw vocal delivery anchors every change in tempo. Tracks like “XXX” and “Judged” further highlight the band’s control over tension and release, pairing sleek, distorted riffs with groove-heavy bass and drums that hit hard at high speed while still letting the slower sections breathe.

Odd Man Out also know when to vary the pacing. “Won’t Be Silenced” and “Over My Shoulder” lean into thicker, groovier basslines and more gradual builds, providing contrast without killing momentum. Even when the band ease off the throttle slightly, the punch never disappears. Their side closes with “Edge Break,” a tension-soaked sendoff built on tightening drum patterns, sharp riffs, and deep bass that leaves the listener fully primed for the flip side.

Brave Out take over with a different kind of energy—less polished, more urgent. Tracks like “Change” and “Locked Away” are built on deep, grooving drums and sharp, well-defined riffs, but the vocal mix immediately becomes the weak point. The shouts and lyrics often sink into the instrumentation, blunting the impact of moments that otherwise hit hard. Still, the musicianship is tight: snappy drums, thick low end, and cleanly mixed guitars keep the songs moving.

That strength shows most clearly on “Push and Pull” and “Torn Off,” where Brave Out’s sense of groove really comes alive, especially in the slower sections where the bass has room to dominate. The pacing is solid, and the band clearly understand how to build weight and momentum—even if the vocals never quite break through the way they should. “Real Friend” and “Watch Your Mouth” follow a similar pattern: strong instrumental presence, heavy grooves, and consistent energy, held back slightly by muffled vocal clarity.

Despite the imbalance between the two sides, the split feels cohesive thanks to the shared straightedge hardcore foundation. Odd Man Out deliver the precision, power, and groove they’re known for, sounding locked-in and confident throughout. Brave Out bring a rougher, more raw intensity that hints at real potential, even if production choices—particularly the vocal mix—keep them from fully landing every blow.

The contrast between Seattle’s tight, controlled heaviness and Osaka’s more unrefined urgency makes the split engaging from start to finish. It’s a solid example of international straightedge hardcore done right: heavy, groovy, and driven by conviction. Odd Man Out reaffirm their status, while Brave Out show they’re a band worth keeping an eye on as they continue to sharpen their sound.