Subba-Cultcha Sampler #1, Various Artists
The punk compilation or sampler market is a very packed one at the moment, with a host of labels and other parties vying for your attention. The latest such sampler to land on our desks here at Punktastic towers is from new web promoter/zine, Subba-Cultcha.com. The site itself aims to help out a host of smaller bands and also doubles as a fanzine, with the usual reviews and interviews. This, then, is the sites first sampler and features nineteen tracks from a plethora of alternative acts.
Now with any compilation release you never really know what you are going to get, due to the number and variety of bands on display. What is most striking about this release after the first play is just how strong the play list is. Many of the nineteen groups will be unknown to a lot of people, but anonymity is certainly not related to low quality. In fact there is a very strong chance that you will find your new favourite band on this sampler.
From the off the sampler shows a very high standard with opening song ‘Oedipus Complex’ by the melodic Red Nettle. Intentions Of An Asteroid are even better, with the infectious and fast-paced ‘Long Awaited Melody’. There is much here to hear, with a cracking slice of hardcore from the superbly monikered Missiles Of Uncertain Destinations, to the perfect rock stylings of Stalefish1. As well as the lesser know bands we are also treated to some fine performances from more established acts, such as the ever reliable Shuriken and Brody, and if I don’t give a nod to a great song by Broadview I’ll have to kick myself.
Ultimately ‘Subba-Cultcha Sampler #1’ is one of the best compilation releases I’ve had the pleasure of hearing for some time. The nineteen tracks on offer are mainly strong, with some bordering on the outstanding. This is well worth shelling out a few of your English pounds for, as there is much enjoyment to be had from the tracks on offer.
www.subba-cultcha.com
Mark
