What's Across The Pond Volume 2, Various Artists
I really, really want to like this CD. If every label put as much effort, passion and love into what they do as Eyesore Records do, the world would be a much better place. Everything from the friendliness of the owners to the quality of the design and booklet, to the quality of the accompanying press material and their enthusiasm for their project is to be welcomed and congratulated. It makes you want to listen to the disc and to like it. Sadly 'What's Across The Pond Vol 2' doesn't match the qualities of the label itself. For the most part it's put together like a random MP3.com selection of fancy Yank bands, lacking in originality and (in some cases) quality.
I don't like saying harsh things about people who genuinely have a passion for what they do, so it doesn't give me much pleasure to offer constructive criticism - but here it is regardless! I feel some of these choices are generic US bands that could easily have been replaced by better UK offerings. I know that defeats the point of having something 'across the pond', but to me this record highlights the lack of upcoming talent in the States and makes me feel how lucky we are to have so many original and exciting bands over here. Of course that's one opinion and this record has had some good reviews so far, so maybe I'm in the minority, but it will be interesting to see what the 'heavyweight' press have to say about it.
For example, The Get Go rip-off Blink 182's 'Story of a Lonely Guy' something chronic (listen carefully) and Stu's Shoes, despite being only young kids, are as generic pop-punk as it gets even if the melodies are pretty sweet. Then there are the token mesh-cap wearing (probably) post-hardcore/emo bands who are about as original as a fart gag, although The Prize Fight do manage to pull it off better than most. Landis, for example, are more lightweight than Kate Moss on a diet and Last Addition sound like they recorded 'Does This Suit Me' in a freezer. I hope the irony is not missed on Much The Same, who sound like the kid brothers of Slick Shoes. Parkview are ok mind you, and of course the heavyweight bands here salvage the whole thing; The Rocket Summer are amazing while Slick Shoes, Suicide Machines and Don't Look Down are all great and shine through. Distance From Afar sound promising too.
All in all this is average musically which is a great shame. But if the passion shown in this release continues then Eyesore will reach big things. They deserve all the luck and I'm sure they will eventually reap the rewards of their hard work.
Paul
