While I enjoy a split single from time to time - one song this side, turn it over, another on that side - split long-play releases are awkward beasts, particularly when each band gets a more than fair crack of the whip. Here we have three bands, each playing three songs, from three different countries. Each is skilled in emo-cum-hardcore operations, yet none are particularly well known. That being the case, I guess this Deep Elm-apeing release serves a valuable purpose: to introduce new, exciting acts to the listener. Only, they're not really new, and only 33.3 per cent of these tracks are worth getting excited over...

Yes, Exeter's Kids Near Water still bust out the post-whatever moves with serious style, their three tracks certain to have fans salivating at the prospect of a new album this year (finally). But America Is Waiting, who count former members of emo heavyweights Mineral and Pop Unknown in their ranks, sound so dated it's untrue, and German outfit The Coalfield seem to have lost a sizeable slice of the metal that made their album of two years ago, Transmitter, so addictive. Where once there was a house-leveling roar, now there's little more than a little pig's whimper.

Perhaps it's the sequencing that's to blame for the lukewarm reception to the foreign acts? If the KNW tracks were spread out a little, the contrast would certainly make for added longevity. The three, then three, then three format just doesn't work, and smacks of a rush release - what should be three different singles pressed onto a single disc.

KNW's standout is 'Practice Our Miracles'. Sounds like they have been. America Is Waiting offer 'We'll Hammer These Swords Into Guitars'. How I wish they'd saved themselves the effort...