Best Local New Artist

Split

The origins, genesis, and future of Split are all very mysterious. The current line-up, featuring the twin vocal styling of Tor Champagne (who also moonlights with fellow Worcester Phoenix BMP nominees God Stands Still) and Andy Jones (who left Split for school, then split school to return to the band), has been at it in said formation for less than a year. Featuring the bass work of the majestic Nate 187 and drum thump of Michael Toomey, the boys decided to forego any guitar antics by not having a guitarist. Dedicated to finding salvation via the Big Beat and ultra-heavy low-end, Split became an Espresso Bar staple, causing EBar honcho Eric Spencer to foam at the mouth and patrons to bow down in the aisle.

Their debut disc, minus Jones, is a workout that marries all the best features of House of Pain, Pharcyde, Cypruss Hill, and Shootyz Groove. Equally likely to leave you floating in the ozone ("Emotional" and "Amneoste") as it is to chew on your face ("Big Slam" and "Scrubber Sponge"), Split -- due chiefly to Champagne's lyrics, sing-song phrasing and Gattling gun-style rhymes -- offer a slice of stylish punk trip-hop. It's sometimes gritty, sometimes spacy, but never quite like anything that's ever come from these here parts!

Favorites of Incubus (who are with Epic), who insist on hooking up with our boys whenever possible, Split have the uncanny ability to appear as all-things, depending on who's doing the listening. Perk up your ears and take a listen. But don't forget the headphones.

-- John O'Neill