The Albums

Today we’re going to have a two-for-one review, which is very fitting because the two EPs that are on today’s docket are Splinch’d and Split in Two, both by the same band, Essence of Dittany. This band is a side project of The Vanishing Cabinet, which you may remember from a previous Wrock Review!

Splinch’d is the 1st EP by this instrumental wrock band. Originally released May 20, 2008, it was rereleased on September 4, 2020. Split in Two is the 2nd EP, and was originally released on July 20, 2011, with the rerelease on September 4, 2020. Let’s check them out!

The Tracks

The Riddle House is the first track on this EP, and right away we dive into a terror-inducing sound complete with eerie instrumentals, clips from the movie, and a good amount of Parseltongue. At just under a minute and a half long, it almost seems like this track was cut short – just like Frank Bryce’s life at the beginning of book four.

I’m ashamed to admit that I was JAMMING along to the next song before I knew that it was called Filthy Little Mudblood. What can I say? It’s a bop! Draco Malfoy interjects here and there before we hear Hermione say that he deserves to be punched in the face.

We travel to Azkaban for the next track. This song perfectly encapsulates what it must have felt like to be a Death Eater in Azkaban when Voldemort made his return. Full of anticipation, energy, and longing, this track had me on edge the whole time!

Have you seen the Writing on the Wall? I absolutely loved the percussion and bassline in this song. The synth really pulls the whole thing together.

The House Ghosts is up next, alternating between loud and quiet. I can imagine these four ghosts floating along the corridors of Hogwarts castle late at night, spooking anyone in their path (whether they meant to or not). This track has so many different personalities, just like each House ghost.

We finish this EP with a Dance of the Grindylows. This funky little tune was a great end to a wonderful EP. I love the instrumentals and how I can picture the little water gremlins dancing underwater in my mind.

A chilling melody played on bells introduces the first song of the second EP, Bathilda’s Fate. As more instrumentals are added, including a sick beat and low bassline, I can’t help but think of poor Bathilda Bagshot and how her life came to a gruesome end. I really enjoyed this track.

The Locket is up next with an excellent beat. My head was bopping along the whole time. It reminded me of how the horcrux made the locket seem to have a heartbeat. The song fades out with a piano melody, leaving the locket in the dust.

The beats don’t stop as we move right along into A Ghoul in Pajamas. This was probably my favorite song out of both EPs. Calling the beat “sick” or “dope” doesn’t do it justice. You just have to listen to it to understand. I was ROCKIN’.

Let’s take an Apparition Test! Don’t forget the three Ds: Destination, Determination, and Deliberation. The focus in the mixing of this track was very apt for the theme of the song!

The final song of the second EP is The Snatchers. There is an almost frantic quality to the beat as I imagine Muggle-borns and half-bloods running away from these scary Snatchers.

In Summary

The instrumentals – especially the beats – in both of these albums are incredible. I had such a fun time listening to them as I bopped and danced in my chair. Essence of Dittany does a great job mixing, remixing, and creating musical themes that fit perfectly with the title of each piece. I rate these albums: One Perfect Splinch – right down the middle! Now it’s time to split – see you next time!