Both are favourite bands of mine, both from Canada, who covered 2 of each others' songs, gave them different names, then put a brand new one each on there. The total is 6 songs, I will run through each track one-by-one and give my input.
01 - PASSING OUT IN AMERICA
Originally by Moneen, called "Passing Of America": Alexisonfire adds a new style of drums to the basis of the song, giving it a well-balanced feel. The guitar is well done and is easy to enjoy, using a clever compilation of punk chords and riffs. Alexisonfire also bring the vocals to a brand new level, it kicks off with George Petit screaming the verses to get you goin', then balances out with melodic and very well-done singing from Dallas Green. The song switches gears a couple of times and balances pretty well, except for the fact that you only hear George at the beginning verses. Passing Out In America gets 4/5.
02 - ACCIDENTS ARE ON PURPOSE
Originally by Alexisonfire, called "Accidents": If you've ever heard Alexisonfire, Accidents is the song you've probably heard. With metal power chords and riffs and anthem-like vocals. Moneen add a new classic punk/rock/alternative sound tot he guitar, which in my opinion brings it down a notch. It does not suit the song and the chords do not sound as good, but on theplus side Moneen really change up the opening riff to balance with the chord style which does sound pretty good. The screaming is replaced with soft, punkish vocals, uniquely Moneen. After the first chorus, the song really slows down and in comes the melodic clean riffs which are another thing that is uniquely Moneen. The song then picks up again for what is a final conclusion and a good finish tot he song. Accidents On Purpose gets 3/5.
03 - TONIGHT I AM GOING TO WASH THE HIPPY
Originally by Moneen, called "Tonight I'm Gone": This is the best Alexisonfire song on the album and probably the best on the album out of both bands. It starts off with the only thing I do not like about the song, a tabbed drum verse with singing overtop that once again repeats itself, but when it repeats itself is where the song acually starts, as the other isntruments come in, normally where it would begin in the Moneen original. The song has a really good balance between screaming and singing all the way through. The choruses and half the verses are sung by Dallas Green while the other half of the verses and for the most part of the bridges are done by George Petit. The song then breksdown for a few seconds near the end then sports an outro that is unique in the Alexisonfire version, using the main power chords and having both George and Dallas do vocals, which makes for a nice finish. Tonight I Am Going To Wash the Hippy gets 4.5/5.
04 - SHARKS IN DANGER
Originally by Alexisonfire, called "Sharks And Danger": This is without question the worst song on the CD and probably the worst Moneen song ever done. The song is pretty well exactly like the original except without the phone call and some added effects in the into. The verse is sung pretty well though. The song then picks up near the end and gets really heavy, but once again the chords are changed in style, which doesn't much suit it again, Moneen then try something different. they get "Hippy" (lead guitar) to scream into a distorted mic, which adds something to the song but still disappoints, the song continues in it's heaviness and screams until the end, where the instruments fade out and we're left with screaming and effected drums in the background. Sharks In danger gets 2/5.
05 - BLEED AND BLISTER (VERSION TWO)
This is the moneen original on the CD. Identical to the first unreleased version in every way except for an added bridge. The song starts off nice and fast with a killer riff and driving chords, topped with a head-bobbing drum line. The song then slows down minorly for the verse, which sports well-done vocals by Kenny and builds up to a chorus, which is much like the intro. The song changes up with a second verse and chorus but this time sped up and more agressive in vocal style. The song then slows down with very well done soft vocals, which builds up to yet another verse that is just as agressive and driving as the last, in which the song ends on that note. Bleed And Blister (Version Two) gets 4.5/5.
06 - CHARLIE SHEEN VS. HENRY ROLLINS
And Finally we get to the new original by Alexisonfire. The song starts off with Alexis's brand new drummer (ratbeard) showing off his skills while the 2 guitars play spearate chords. The song then breaks right into the verse with reviving screams and a nice balance between riffs and chords. The song keeps pace for the chorus and Dallas comes in with some of his best singing yet, in which George does a fill between lines for balance. The song breaks down to the intro style right away again and goes right into a slowed down bridge with more thrashing screams that leads into the second verse which picks up more from the first with the Wade (lead guitar) playing a progressive riff. The song then goes to another chorus like the first then breaks down with a lead guitar break, in which the drums and screaming come back, you may also hear within it a cool set of rythmic bar chords in the background. The song then goes into another bridge, like the first, except this time the screamer and singer share vocal duties, finishing off the song with a good balance. Charlie Sheen Vs. Henry Rollins gets 4.5/5.
So overall, the CD gets 3.5/5, mainly because the Moneen covers fail to impress as much and the Alexis tracks had a flaw or two that brought it down a bit. Yet, there are some very good songs on this CD and I suggest if you liek either of these bands or this style of music you should buy it.
