South African punk bands Half Price and Mean Girls are happy to announce the release of their split EP titled Split Personalities.
This unique release will be available on CD, Cassette Tape, and all major streaming platforms, coinciding with their highly anticipated European Great Punk Migration tour from 26 July to 9 August 2024. The tour will culminate in a performance at the world-renowned Punk Rock Holiday festival in Slovenia.
More info about Split Personalities
Split Personalities is a split release that features three tracks from each band, showcasing their distinct sounds and shared passion for punk rock.
Inspired by the tradition of split albums in the punk scene, this EP symbolizes both bands’ diverse musical influences and social commentary.
The title reflects the multidimensional nature of the album, representing the collaboration between the two bands and the evolving sounds within each band’s repertoire.
Half Price‘s side of the EP features their new single, “The Forgotten Future,” which critiques the South African education system and the nation’s lack of vision for its improvement. This politically charged track marks their return to activism after 18 years, inspired by the disillusionment with South Africa’s progress and the enduring inequalities from apartheid.
The song emphasizes the need for urgent reforms to address the personal and societal impacts of the broken system. Musically, it evolved from a groovy bassline to include ska guitar, horn lines, and a dynamic drum beat, culminating in a catchy chorus with gang vocals.
The EP also includes reimagined versions of “Southbound” and “Friends and Family,” featuring guest vocals and their new brass section, with contributions from Archi Alert, Alex Muller, and the Hog Hoggidy Hog brass section.
Mean Girls bring three brand new tracks—”Reverse Crusade,” “Not Yours,” and “Drained”—which fuse skate punk and hardcore elements.
These songs address social and political issues alongside personal experiences. Recorded and mixed DIY by their bassist Danny Helsing, Mean Girls continue to push boundaries, delivering their unique sound with energy and conviction. Lyrics are available on their Bandcamp page.
More info about Half Price
Half Price, a satirical ska punk band from Cape Town, South Africa, has been making waves in the punk scene since 2001. Over their 23-year career, they’ve released six studio albums and a “best of” compilation through New York’s Punk Outlaw Records, becoming the first South African punk band signed to a US label in 2016.
Known for their extensive touring across South Africa and Namibia, as well as four European tours, Half Price has shared stages with international acts like Mad Caddies, The Exploited, and Alien Ant Farm.
The band’s collaborative spirit shines through in their releases, which often feature guest appearances from fellow South African punk bands and even German punk rock legends, showcasing their commitment to fostering connections within the global punk community.
More info about Mean Girls
Mean Girls, an emerging skate punk and melodic hardcore band from Johannesburg, South Africa, made their mark in 2023 with the release of their single “Just a Dream” in June, followed by their debut EP You Can Sit With Us in December last year.
Their music stands out for its diverse blend of styles, seamlessly combining fast hardcore, post-punk-influenced darker elements, and classic upbeat skate punk melodies.
This unique approach sets them apart in the often formulaic skate punk scene, showcasing their ability to create a cohesive yet varied sound.
Mean Girls‘ debut demonstrates that originality is still possible within a well-established genre when artists skillfully blend their influences and maintain a fresh attitude, offering a refreshing and exciting addition to the punk music landscape.
You can stream / download Split Personalities HERE.
Check out tour dates for The Great Punk Migration Tour below:
Watch this space for updates in the Music News category on SA Music Zone.
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