by Jordan Minnick

English vinyl-crusading label Palmist Records (sister label of FatCat Records) has found DIY zealots fitting for a spot in its sprouting catalog with Omaha 8-track engineers, Yuppies. The foursome is of course better known for its scuzzed garage-fidelics, resiliently strung like punk and tritely worded. Yuppies make their label debut with a 12-inch split alongside London punk duo Bitches, imparting two takes on the punk genre in 31 minutes. 

Yuppies' six-track half of the record, released in the U.S. and Canada Aug. 16, showcases those foremost characteristics that had yet to be served up in a package outside of their earlier 7-inch splits. From frontman Jack Begley's shouting vocals and poppy, pulsating keys to their format of short, distorted, driving dance songs. Tracks like "Motivation" and "Sunglasses" (re-recorded from its earlier rendition) sustain the Yuppies' precedent, while closing song "Black and White" diverts from it. Sung by Noah Sterba, it's a refreshing, less-bulldozing listen that's catchy all the way through. 

The real bulldozing happens on the opposite Bitches side. Their sound is riotously noisey and completely wicked, thanks to Blake Ivinson's screaming lead vocals and cutting buzzy bass reminiscent of Death From Above 1979. "Peacocks" seems to reach the height of sheer nastiness, sounding like sin. The two bands are certainly a split-worthy pair, sounding off the same punk-like intentions with their own variances. It's enough to satisfy you in more than one way.  

You can pick up the Yuppies/Bitches limited 150 copy-run vinyl at Antiquarium in Omaha. And mark you calendars for their Friday, Oct. 21 release party at the Slowdown. Cause they'll also be playing with M-F-ing UUVVWWZ. Until then, you can catch Yuppies at Dundee Days Saturday, Aug. 27. 

Yuppies 12" split w/ Bitches (London) by HearNebraska

Jordan Minnick is an intern for Hear Nebraska. She thinks shitgaze is in, rapegaze is out. Contact her at jordanminnick@hearnebraska.org.