Deep Elm presents...Too Young To Die, Various Artists
According to the inlay of this cd, a life is lost to suicide every 18-mins in America. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to know that this is one hell of a statistic -and a massive problem. The good folks at Deep Elm have realised this and decided to release a sampler which not only showcases their bands, but also raises awareness of such an important issue. In doing so, it creates a vital piece of music which goes to the people who need your money, even if the sampler itself doesn't quite hit home - after all, some of these songs are a little too depressing...
But in true Deep Elm style, this record is full of songs you must hear. Benton Falls are quite simply amazing and 'Like Portraits On Walls' will have you sucked in hook, line and sinker - buy their 'Guilt Beats Hate' record now. Red Animal War and Brandtson are two of the more 'heavyweight' and well know Deep Elm bands and both produce the goods. The latter especially so, with 'On Three' and 'Anything and Everything' perfect slices of emo-pop. All of the melodies are present and correct - it's just great stuff all round, much like The Appleseed Cast who fizz and pop with some of the best hooks you'll come across this year. 'Fishing The Sky' is great, 'Blind Man's Arrow' is arguably better.
Cross My Heart are gorgeous and I'm on the lookout for much more of their material and Lewis are more of the same, even if 'Find Your Way' is positively morbid in a good sense. Let's not forget Camber either, who rawk in a refreshingly angsty way. Of course there are songs which either don't fit the flow or just plain suck, but these are few and far between. Desert City Soundtrack's 'Sleeperhold' is a good song, but it's a little too depressing to go an anti-suicide record surely, while Surrounded are a little too arty for me but there's no hiding their genius.
Deep Elm should be appluaded for recognising such an important issue that plagues teenagers and young people. If one life is saved through this record, then there work is even more vital. As a package, this is one of the best compilations money can buy.
www.deepelm.com
Paul
