Posted by Richard Rossi on Jul 3, 2025 in Music, News, Powerpop | 0 comments

Splitsville – Mobtown

We haven’t heard much from The Huseman twins, Brandt and Matt, since 2015’s Good News, released under the name The Stereo Twins or 2018’s House (Greenberry Woods), made up of revived demos. Let’s fast forward 22 years since Splitsville’s last album, Incorporated, and 24 since the critically acclaimed Presents…The Complete Pet Soul.

The long wait is over thanks to the band and the folks at Big Stir Records. Splitsville’s Mobtown, their first release in decades, hits the streets on July 18. One could call it a concept album with their native city, Baltimore, as the backdrop. Within this framework, the band takes chances where it can while maintaining the pop sensibilities their fans know and love.

Power Pop Baltimore Style

Mobtown gets off to a rockin’ start with “Cold Open”, a track that hearkens back to the early days of the band. “A Glorious Lie” tells the fictional story of secrets that were supposedly housed within the walls of an old Baltimore hotel called The Belvedere. With its Weezer style wall of guitars and a catchy chorus, it’s an instant winner. “On Federal Hill” features memorable background vocals, a lovely string section and orchestral calisthenics reminiscent of those old Beatles and Beach Boysrecords.

The up-tempo “I Hate Going to Hutzler’s” is pure power pop with the requisite na-na-na’s and lyrical poignancy. “Let’s run away to Dewey Beach, skinny dip as we please no matter the weather…All we want is everything and it owns us.” That’s exactly what it felt like to be a teenager in Delmarva.

Saving the Best for Last

“Penn Station” has a sound most reminiscent of the last two albums, Incorporated and The Complete Pet Soul. This gorgeous melody builds as the song progresses. Piano and vocals are soon joined by an organ, guitars, a Hallelujah-like background chorus and eventually a marvelous string section, placing a bow on a wonderful treat for the aural senses.

Splitsville are: Matt Huseman (vocals, electric & acoustic guitars, add’l keyboards), Tony Waddy (vocals, electric lead & rhythm guitars, add’l bass & keyboards, sequencing), Paul Krysiak (vocals, bass, keyboards, add’l guitars & percussion, string arrangements) and Brandt Huseman (vocals, drums & percussion, mandolin, acoustic guitar, add’l bass).