 Various
Artists
"Summer Solution: Reason Y Compilation" CD
Reason
Y
Genres: rock, indie rock, math rock
Reason Y
PO Box 145171
Coral Gables, FL
33114
Dec 13 - 19 2004 |
Though Reason Y is a Florida-based label, this compilation seems to
cull rock bands from all over the American map. I am familiar
with four of the disc's sixteen acts - Fiesel, Words For
Snow, and Tristan Da Cunha are Losing Blueprint label
math-rock bands, while Bird Gets the Smile is on Reason Y's
permanent roster - but learning about new music is what these one-off
comps are all about. Unfortunately, Summer Solution
hasn't really encouraged me to research many of its bands. For
an indie rock collection, it isn't as melodic as I would expect.
Summer Solution features an array of genres, including
run-of-the-mill alt. rock, screamy post-punk, noisy math rock, and
even some straightforward indie pop. The Bird Gets The Worm
and Waterpistol (emo) tracks both fit in the alternative rock
category; both have okay melodies but fail to stand out in terms of
originality or compositional inventiveness. The screamier indie
rock and "post-punk" is a bit more engaging - Delvic's
track is energetic and riveting, though somewhat predictable, while
the Document song builds to a messy climax. Some of the
better moments are supplied by fem-fronted pop group The Warren
Commission, Archers of Loaf/Sebadoh-influenced
rockers The Beatings, and infectious synth-poppers The
Secrets.
This isn't a great compilation, though it has its moments. I
expected a bit more from Summer Solution, especially given its
impressive production values (full-colour, glossy liner booklet!), but
this is only half-good. If you can find this cheap, it's worth a
look for the good tracks; otherwise, take a chance on one of the many
other impressive indie rock comps out there.
75%
Fun Fact: The Warren Commission (a
band on this comp) was named after a LBJ-commissioned document
investigating the JFK assassination. Conspiracy theorists
consider it a "cover-up exercise." It can be perused here.
Matt Shimmer [Vitals:
18 tracks (incl. intro, outro), distributed by the
label, released 2002] |
