Deck Cheese Value Slices, Various Artists
Compilations are probably the bane of a reviewers life. Most of the time there's a batch of tracks which showcase a label's roster or an event, and nine times out of ten it will be prototype screamo band one after another, or second-rate pop-punk band after second-rate pop-punk band. However, there are exceptions to the rule and 'Value Slices' is one. As fine a homegrown sampler as I've ever come across the 15 tracks and one video show how diverse a line-up Deck Cheese now have - probably more than you thing.
From the popcore of Not Katies to the oi of Sick on the Bus, DC do have something for everyone. And while you may think you already know that, it probably won't leap out and bite you on the nose until you hear this record. What's more it features exclusive tracks, an old favourite or two and even some demo material from your DC faves - all for a budget price. Value Slices they certainly are.
The best thing is that there is something to cater for all your punk rock needs. NoComply open up and showcase two of their female-fronted skacore tracks. 'Your Life (Is Your Direction)' is fantastic stuff and one of the tracks that rightly sets out NC as one of the UK's best bands. The sassy 'Nick Starts', a demo, is totally different from their usual bittersweet hardcore tinged ska, with Kelly using her voice well to wrap around a groovy bassline. If you haven't yet heard the new Fletcher record then you're missing out - 'Throwaway' is a massive anthem which carries on their knack for writing huge pop-punk songs with hooks the size of Holland. And if you needed any more proof that Fletcher are bloody vital, just check out the second track 'Wishlist'.
Vanilla Pod and Jesse James provide solid efforts while Not Katies chuck in the excellent newie 'So Far Away' and it's possibly their best song yet. Phinius Gage were the first unsigned band to ever send in their demo to Punktastic, a little known fact for you. Suffice to say they're no longer unsigned and are doing very well for themselves on one of the UK's premier labels. 'Fire's Burning' is a good showcase for where PG are at right now. It's hard and it hits and it's damn good. Sommerset do their thing well, adding an Oceanic flavour, and then of course there's the inimitable Sick on the Bus doing their thing. It's not really my thing to be honest, but if Not Katies are to sickly sweet, The Bus will fistfuck your ears and knock you about the head until you surrender. Nice.
If you want to support the UK scene then this is a very good reference point for your collection. It's as diverse and solid a compilation as I've heard all year and is one that I could listen to for hours and be happy.
www.deckcheese.com
Paul
