Records: Splice's Splice

By Mary Bennett

Question: What do you get when you combine the distinct vocals of Blind Melon's late Shannon Hoon with the rough, modern edge of Stone Temple Pilots?

Answer: A refreshing cup of Splice.

Splice's self-titled debut album is an explosive, rock-driven album that is sure to get you moving, dancing, moshing, chilling, thrashing, and feeling fine. Like all good rock albums, the fast-paced journey from the emotional Elysium of the dark, haunting, Metallica-inspired vocals of "Wanting it All" to the bouncy, They Might Be Giants pop of "Way" is a whirlwind of sound that is sure to leave the listener bedazzled.

With the solid vocals of University of New Haven student Ryan Healey, Splice does more than just shine and sparkle. As veterans of the New Haven music scene are probably already well aware, Splice has been an active band for three years, doing its best to stir up the local scene with ear-pleasing, unadulterated rock rhythms and musical stylings. If you look at the back of any stop sign in the downtown New Haven area, you're sure to spot them--Splice stickers are coming up like roses.

Splice's song lyrics are just as varied as the diverse sounds of its debut album's different tracks. While the harmonica opening of "Way" declares, "Send me a tulip. . . paint me a daisy," the bass-thumping, Nirvana-esque "All of Them" stands in striking contrast with its haunting, brooding confession of "Jump into the fire/ burn yourself/ Now I'm just ashamed/ like Kurt Cobain." And in "Hateful Goodbyes," the sounds of train whistles and humming engines give way to a softer, slower, more flowing melody with the ageless lament of "So much to do/ So little time."

The sand in the hourglass for this band is not running out any time soon. Splice's debut album, a rejuvenating and cool mix of melodic pop, roadhouse blues, hard rock, and classic metal proves that the band has a future far beyond the New Haven music scene. (1923)

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