Chaos Days & All Or Nothing - Split EP

All Or Nothing (not to be mistaken with the American hardcore act All Or Nothing HC, nor with All For Nothing) and Chaos Days are two small pop-punk bands from England, both (currently) signed on the label All Aboard Records. Whereas the latter are still quite unknown, the first ones, from Birmingham, already have a substantial discography including a split with American peers The Wonder Years. Sharing this record with a band that already had a name in the American scene enabled them to get some listeners outside of the UK. This time, it should be the other way around as they will probably be the ones bringing new fans to their friends in Chaos Days.

All Or Nothing produce an edgy pop-punk driven by power chords and catchy vocals. 'I hate being the dip guy' is a good example of what the band can do, featuring guitar hooks and an easily memorable chorus. I like their other track 'Don't do this' better, though, a bit less poppy. The heavy bass is leading the song very well and the verses are as good as the chorus.
Brighton-based Chaos Days' pop-punk is a little softer. They can write good melodies too, as you will be able to testify on 'You and I'. The dual vocals give a good energy to the chorus and maybe the band should use them more. 'At heaven's gate' is less tasty but remains pleasing thanks to the great work on the guitars.

If you think You Me At Six are the only pop-punk band from the UK worth checking out, you should give those two acts a listen (and if it makes you stop listening to You Me At Six, I won't be unhappy either). This split is the proof British pop-punk is growing and getting better. All Or Nothing and Chaos Days are two bands to keep an eye on. Their simple and quality brand of pop-punk could rival its American equivalent. We couldn't wish them anything better.

3.5/5

Recommanded if you like:
New Found Glory, Fireworks, The Wonder Years
Check also:
Save Your Breath, With The Punches, Weekend FM

www.myspace.com/chaosdays
www.myspace.com/allornothing
(All Aboard Records, 2009)