When I get sent split EPs, I assume that the bands will be pretty similar sounding. This expectation was ignored by The Bear And The Tiger, which features Revenge Of The Psychotronic Man and Bootscraper. The tracks are all reworked covers of the other band, which makes for an interesting audio experience.

It’s a shame that since recording The Bear And The Tiger, Bootscraper have called it quits. This band are like nothing I’ve ever listened to before. In all honesty I’m not sure how to review such a unique band, but I’ll try to do them justice!

Bootscraper‘s aggro-folk ROTPM covers all sound like sea shanties to me. They’ve created the kind of music you’d expect to hear on the Pirates Of The Caribbean soundtrack. The tracks are a little rough around the edges, but that just adds to their charm.

I love the combination of male and female vocalists. The male vocals are raw and passionate, and the female vocalist adds rhythm. The lyrics, especially in ‘Clint Eastwood, The Man With No Name’, are easy to pick up. I can envisage them being shouted along to in a dingy tavern over a sloshing pint of ale.

The percussion details during the intro of ‘Captain Gin Vs, The Victory Gin’ add a bit of fun to the track. If you don’t enjoy Bootscraper straight away, I guarantee you will by the time you finish listening.

Then on to Revenge…, whose speed-punk covers of Bootscraper could easily be their own tracks. This three-piece are more than capable of taking a track and making it their own.

Their four tracks are riff-heavy and wouldn’t sound out of place in a metal bar. Added to that occasional bass solos, frequent tempo changes and a cracking guitar solo in ‘The Suffering’, the result is a dynamic collection of tracks which left me wanting more.

The vocals are strong throughout, as they’d have to be to keep up with the speed of the tracks. They’re rough around the edges, but that’s to be expected. I’m not the biggest fan of shouty vocals, but I still found myself enjoying ROTPM.

Closing track ‘The Family’ is a complete change of pace. The stripped-back intro meant I could focus more on the song’s lyrics. ROTPM seem to be pretty unpredictable, and I actually quite like that.

If you’re looking to listen to something a bit different, this EP is for you.

– Katie Boyden