An eclectic gem of a record
Way back in the sixties, it was Burt Bacarach that penned the lines "What the world needs now is love, sweet love/that's just one thing there is much too little of." How perceptive that man was. But what the world needs now dear reader, is not only "love, sweet love" but ace compilation albums which showcase brilliant new talent that traverses genres and boundaries, much like the latest offering from Big Scary Monsters.
Along with the Alcopop label (who along with BSM have released some of the most exciting new music heard in some time) this sampler is an eclectic gem of a record. With every track delicately hand picked and put in place with the High Fidelity approach to making a mixtape; this is a truly outstanding package.
From the post-hardcore influenced Itch, whose contribution strides 'The Unit Ama and Hot Club de Paris' with its unique time structures and sense of urgency to the indie rock musings of Cats and Cats and Cats; there truly is a little bit of everything on this compilation.
The impressively titled 'The Torso Has Been Severed at Mid-Thorax' by Meet Me In St Louis is a master class in jagged and awkward. With an album forthcoming and some incendiary live sets behind them, this is definitely a band to watch out for.
Turning down the volume but not the passion, Richard Walters turn of 'We Have Your Head' is the most haunting balladry you'll hear outside of Jeff Buckly or Anthony and the Johnsons. Beautifully constructed and littered with sweet harmonies against the impassioned refrain of "Who let you in?"
Yndi Halda's 'We Flood Empty Lakes' compromises of all the elements that you love about instrumental bands such as Sigur Ros and 65daysofstatic and uses them to make the most joyous racket you can conceive. Strings, synths and guitars all combine to make the most sweeping mêlée of music that builds to a crescendo of the most affirming and stunning noise which has the depth of sound of a film score
With an enviable ear for the best new bands, this is just achingly good. This is music that scratches the itch, quells the thirst and appeases the absolute hunger for new, exciting music.
Big Scary Monsters is everything a music label should be. They don't attach themselves to popular genres to make a quick buck; this is a label releasing for the love of music not because of haircuts or tight jeans. This is music for people who love music. Honesty and integrity are the hallmarks of a brilliant DIY record label, and Big Scary Monsters have these in droves. In a word; superb.