Album Review: Divide & Conquer - 'Long Story Short'

Every band exists for a reason. Some bands serve some kind of higher purpose. Some bands seek to push the boundaries of creativity. Some are in it for money, while some are in it for fame. Then, there are bands that just want to make music and have a damn fun time doing it - like Sydney pop-punk/metalcore band Divide & Conquer.

Divide & Conquer’s Long Story Short EP is seven tracks of fun-fueled pop/mosh style music in the vein of bands like A Day To Remember, Chunk! No Captain Chunk! and Four Year Strong’s early material. While not really breaking new ground or challenging the expectations that you have of fellow groups in the genre, this offering is entertaining when you can simply enjoy it for what it is.

After the tone of the EP is set by ‘B.C.S.’, second track, ‘Carnival’ hits you with a catchy chorus that sticks right in your head and doesn’t leave anytime soon, which is surrounded on all sides by breakdowns. Listening to these songs, you can’t help but feel like a D&C live set is just jam packed full of circle pits and sing-a-longs.

‘I Before E except in Budweiser’ follows suit, building off the same formula of previous tracks, and while ‘Superheroboy’ does the same - it does so stronger than most of the other tracks, and is possibly the best track on the EP. However, equal moments excel. The screaming vocals on ‘Best Friends For(n)ever’ also make it a pretty strong contender in the overal appeal.

Youthful and enthusiastic, 'Long Story Short' might be humble in approach and appeal, but it provides a good time via its simple charm.

If you’re looking for a new genre-defying, ground-breaking band - look elsewhere, because you’re not going to find that here. However, if you just want to listen to some fun pop-infused metalcore, then Divide & Conquer are the right band for you to be checking out.

1. B.C.S
2. Carnival
3. I Before E Except In Budweiser
4. Superheroboy
5. Best Friends For(n)ever
6. Bonnie & Clyde
7. Cave Harkin Ain't The Boss of Me