Split EPs are a big thing these days. The majority of the time, one astounding band will pull out a few songs while a smaller band will throw out a few to get that needed exposure. This doesn't seem to be the case, though, in this Copeland/Pacifico split. Both bands are amazing in their own right.

The first three songs come from the Lakeland, Florida boys, Copeland. With a biography stating influences of Seven Day Jesus, Denison Marrs, and Jimmy Eat World, I had some almost immeasurable hopes even before listening. It's safe to say though, that I am delightfully pleased. "Second Star to the Left, Go Until Dawn" is my personal favorite of the entire split with catchy emotional rock that most everyone should grow to love. This band could become one of my favorites someday when more material comes out.

Pacifico is up next from Marietta, Georgia. Influences of the Beach Boys, Spacehog, as well as the not-late and not-great Poison gave me some mixed opinions at first. From my first few turns of the tracks, it is evident that they aren't looking to have jaws drop, or make someone cry for joy with emotion seeping from their pores. They're just here for happy pure pop- rock and roll and they have succeeded. There is a big feel of All Star United with a taste of The Elms and also some Blur, Superdrag, and Psychedelic Furs.

This Split does what is intending. It makes you yearn for more. Copeland will surely have a bright amazing future and I am intrigued by Pacifico's sound. But most of all, I'm looking forward to hearing more from this upstart label, Theory 8. Only two releases so far but they're batting 1000. The promotion and music is grade A, not to mention wound up in a neat pretty package. It's hard to even call this an indie label because of the professionalism as well as the great production. Hopefully, we will hear more very soon from these bands as well as the label.

- Review date: 12/23/01, written by Blake Garris of Jesusfreakhideout.com