Eight Teeth to Eat You - Cursive

Omaha, NE's Cursive collaborated with Japan's Eastern Youth on this eight-song split disc. Eight Teeth to Eat You was released as a split between Better Looking Records and Five One Inc in 2002. The indie/experimental stylings of Cursive are featured on the disc's first four songs. "Am I Not Yours?" is an emotional track with Gretta Cohn's cello adding a unique allure to the sound. "Escape Artist" features a chaotic vocal interplay between Tim Kasher and Ted Stevens. The Cursive half of the disc ends with "May Flowers," which borders between math rock and indie balladry. The song turns fierce after a modest, soft beginning. The Cursive tracks were recorded in Lincoln, NE, at Presto Recording Studio. The trio of Eastern Youth is led by guitarist/vocalist Hisashi Yoshino, who is backed by the rhythm section of Tomokazu Ninomiya (bass) and Atsuya Tamori (drums). Their pop sensibilities shine on "Bura Bura Bash!," with Yoshino's passionate vocals (in Japanese) making the song a dramatically powerful one. The pace slows down on "Nisokuhokohkouta," as Yoshino wistfully gleams until finally returning to his trademark scream-singing. The frantic pop on "Itsudemo Kokoniiru" brings the disc to an end. Eastern Youth's donations to this split disc were recorded at King Sekiguchidai Studios. The pairing of Cursive and Eastern Youth brought together two of the world's most talented noise pop bands. ~ Stephen Cramer, All Music Guide