Hellridemusic.com review of "tractor f'n trailer split 7 inch" Devil to Pay / Mantis Split (Lax Wax) By Chris Barnes 09-27-03 What we have here is a split 7" (in very cool clear red vinyl and some nicely done graphics I might add) of two bands from the Hoosier State - Devil to Pay and Mantis. Devil to Pay's "Tractor Fuckin' Trailer", which is either about a giving female characteristics to a tractor trailer or one handful of a heartbreaker. I love the fact that this is open to interpretation, so it can go either way depending on your proclivities. Anyway, extremely groove-oriented heaviness done in mid-tempo so you can soak in that riff on your own time. Guitarist/vocalist/web guru Steve Janiak possesses a convincing timbre as he waxes prolific on tractor fuckin' trailers and/or heartbreaking females. The band is also noted for once having a drummer who spelled his name "Cryss" as a tribute to Kyuss. Rock. The second side features "Choking on Forbidden Fruit" from Indy brothers, Mantis. Nice tune, featuring an interesting rolling drum pattern from Nick Nance and a very cool repeating riff that wouldn't sound out of place on Tool's "Opiate". In fact, singer Jason Kindred even sounds a bit like Jimmy M. Keenan, if Jimmy had sung closer to the mic and weren't so damn ambiguous on the lyrical front. The only detriment to this otherwise quality recording is the length. It's shorter than Billy Barty. Other than that, very cool.