Prevenge / Shared Arms

Split [7-inch] (2012)

Joe Pelone

Splits almost always feel like a competition. Somebody rules just a little more hard each time. And for split veterans Prevenge, victory is theirs. While the Canadian punk band couldn't quite keep up with Dig It Up last year, their new split with Shared Arms finds the band in fine form.

Besides, Prevenge delivers double the output (or, ya know, two songs to Shared Arms' one). "Missing Out" is a fiery Midwestern-ish punk cut that roars out of the speakers. It awkwardly cuts out mid-guitar solo, but everything up ‘til then is gold. "Patron Saints" is even faster, and all the better for it. Plus, that chorus rips.

Shared Arms delivers "F.O.A.B." on the flipside, recalling Rise Against at their most urgent. It's a decent song, but compared to what Prevenge does on the A-side, there's no real comparison.