This is a split release by two Montreal bands, issued through a collaboration between Primator Crew (France) and PILS Records (Canada). Each band contributes three tracks, and the record comes on a 12-inch vinyl. The release includes all the lyrics and features a beautifully executed industrial-rural retro design that immediately evokes working-class suburbs from the 1970s and 1980s. The sleeve follows the same aesthetic, and I really like the overall visual concept. It’s tasteful, well thought out, and beautifully put together.
The first side belongs to Ultra Razzia, a band that has already built an impressive catalogue of split releases with acts such as Dead Hero, Beton Armé, Force Majeure, Ad Vitam, Смерч, Concrete Elite, and Armistice. We previously reviewed their singles compilation on the zine. This time they offer three tracks—two original songs and a cover of Un Jour Parfait by the Australian band The Saints, originally released in 1977. I always enjoy discovering older bands through contemporary artists, and The Saints were one of those groups that had somehow completely passed me by.
Musically, Ultra Razzia stay true to their distinctive sound. Their Oi! punk draws heavily from the aesthetics of the 1980s, wrapped in a dark and intense atmosphere, with French lyrics full of nostalgia, social criticism, and subtle nihilistic reflections. Once again, the result is an outstanding combination. All three songs are of the high standard we’ve come to expect from the band, and personally, I’d rank them among the strongest material they’ve released so far. The French language feels completely natural in their music and further enhances the atmosphere, which often resembles the soundtrack to a dark noir film.
The second half of the split belongs to Ain’t Right, whose EP we also reviewed on the website some time ago. This time, the band ventures a little deeper into bovver rock territory, adding another dimension to their street rock ‚n‘ roll. Slower tempos, a powerful bass line, excellent dual guitar work, and a rough-edged vocal create a highly enjoyable blend. Ain’t Right are more than capable of holding their own here, delivering material that easily matches the quality of Ultra Razzia.
Together, both bands deliver six outstanding songs without a single weak moment. For me, this is easily the best split release of 2026 so far and one of those records I’ll keep coming back to time and time again. Highly recommended.
