London three-piece Let’s Wrestle and Young Governor, the solo project of Fucked Up guitarist Ben Cook, first met while touring the US together in 2009. Since Ben hates touring, he barely spoke to Let’s Wrestle, and he assumed they thought he was a huge dick. But Ben soon realised they shared common ground when he saw Let’s Wrestle leave a show drunk with the drummer on the roof of their car. 15 minutes later they were in jail. Since then they’ve bonded over nothing but shared roll ups, something less common in Toronto, where Ben is from.
When Tough Love asked Young Governor to feature on a split 7”, Ben stated that the only band he’d like to share a record with is Let’s Wrestle, claiming that “they’re one of the only bands I think are quality out of the millions I have played with over the last 3 years.” A few anticipatory emails and several months later, “Crushing Nerves” and “Old Hat” are the result of that wish.
Let’s Wrestle’s contribution, “Crushing Nerves”, is an exclusive track recorded especially for the release. Featuring frontman Wes’ trademark tongue-in-cheek misgivings, it’s pop punk charged on social faux pas and bad romance. Young Governor play true to form also, with “Old Hat” displaying their distinctively melodic mod pop, one part Mersey beat, one part first wave punk.
Tough Love Records issue the 7” as the fourth release in their series of double A side split singles. The record is limited to just 500 copies, with artwork designed by Let’s Wrestle’s Wesley Patrick Gonzalez.
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