Split Double Single by Shiva Speedway u'Cat Ion': A 1996 Rock Gem That Still Kicks
Alright, let’s talk about Split Double Single, the quirky little rock album from Shiva Speedway u'Cat Ion' that dropped back in '96. Released under Echostatic (a label you probably forgot existed), this US-born record feels like a scrappy time capsule of mid-90s alt-rock vibes with just enough edge to keep things interesting. It’s not perfect—heck, it doesn’t even try to be—but there’s something raw and real here that sticks with you.
First up, we gotta shout out “Lullaby.” Yeah, yeah, I know what you’re thinking: lullabies are supposed to be soft, sleepy stuff for babies, right? Not this one. This track is more like a wake-up call wrapped in distortion pedals. The guitars crunch hard, but there’s also this weirdly hypnotic melody running through it all. You can almost picture some sleep-deprived rocker humming this tune while staring at their ceiling fan at 3 AM. There’s a tension in the vocals too, like they’re trying to soothe themselves as much as anyone else. Honestly, it’s kinda brilliant how messed up and beautiful it feels at the same time.
Then there’s “Burning Building,” which hits different entirely. If “Lullaby” is introspective chaos, this one’s an outright inferno. Picture this: crunchy riffs layered over pounding drums, lyrics dripping with desperation, and a chorus so catchy it might actually haunt your dreams. What makes this track unforgettable is its energy—it grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go. Like, seriously, every time I hear it, I get flashbacks to being stuck in traffic on a hot summer day, windows down, blasting whatever station played songs like these. It’s chaotic, loud, and messy in the best possible way.
The other two tracks, “Bodied” and “Deal With The Devil,” round out the album nicely, though they don’t quite leave the same mark. They’re solid enough, sure, but they feel more like filler compared to the fire of the first two. Still, props to the band for keeping things tight—this isn’t one of those bloated albums where you skip half the tracks.
Looking back now, Split Double Single feels like a snapshot of a moment when rock was still figuring itself out post-grunge. It’s rough around the edges, sure, but maybe that’s why it works. Listening to it today, it reminds me of those old mixtapes people used to burn for each other—imperfect, personal, and full of heart.
And hey, fun fact: did you know cats can actually sense when music has good vibes? Maybe that explains the band’s name. Or maybe they were just really into physics jokes. Either way, this album deserves another spin—or at least a nod from anyone who digs unpolished rock gold.
