Bust! and Heart Shaped Hate released a split on Cassette Deck Media Conglomerate and on Underground Government/Recess Japan this summer. While the album in its entirety lasts only 12 minutes and 55 seconds, both bands deliver more in just under 13 minutes than other musicians can deliver in quadruple the time.

Fans of Screeching Weasel and the Descendents are sure to enjoy Bust!’s contribution to the split. Bust!, of Woodstock, Ill., is a punk duo with a sound reminiscent of late ‘80s to early ‘90s pop punk. With songs averaging about a minute and a half in length. The first track, “Whaaaahhhhaaaappppon?” is punchy, lively and more percussion heavy, while “The Bassline to ‘Eruption'” borders more on melodic but maintains the agitated energy that is characteristic of Bust!. “Have Love, Will Travel,” is a cover, but it shreds just as hard. Bust! does a fantastic job of making their point.

Heart Shaped Hate from Elgin, Ill., (and formerly of DeKalb) sounds a little like the love child of the Blood Brothers and Chicago girl duo The Capricorns, The last part of the split belong to HSH’s synthesizers, drums, squeals and screams, and it seem to go by far too quickly. Lyrics like “It’s so cute when I’m murdering you” and ” crystal crown, shiny sash, baby teeth, bloody gash” can be heard being shrieked over blasting beats and noisy, gnarly synthesizer lines. Themes of girlhood and murder abound with tracks titled “Princess Shredder,” “Boy Leech” and “JonBenet.gif.” HSH is a bubblegum synth punk powerhouse that chews you up, spits you out and covers you in glitter and glass shards, yet leaves you wanting more. They’re frightening and raw in the most adorable and admirable way possible.

This split is short, sweet, and very worth 12 minutes and 55 seconds of your time. It absolutely thrashes, wastes no time and is filled with energy, personality, and talent. Both bands do the local scene very proud and make for a fast-paced combination on this one. You’ll be stomping around and screaming along for sure.