This compilation from Leeds-based music promotion Brainwash (released on their sister label Children No More Records) is a mixed bag. You’ve got your metal, indie, rock, folk and electronica and apparently the majority of artists featured are from Leeds, making this compilation a fine showcase for the richness of musical talent in the city.
Proceedings kick off with Red Stars Parade but unfortunately their angsty, one-dimensial metal fails to ignite the imagination. Thankfully Jetplane Landing save the day with the ace ‘Why Do They Never Play Les Savy Fav on the Radio’ plying their unique indie charms in a lovely tribute to the aforementioned demented New York art-punks.
Wintermute have a good line in angular ‘math-pop’ stylings, complete with erratic time signatures and sporadic, off-key vocals. If all their tunes are of the same standard as ‘Shark Vs E-Boat’ then they’re one band I wouldn’t mind hearing more of. Another band featuring an intriguing sound are The Vessels. Their song ‘Clear and Calm’ blends intricate guitar parts to produce a shimmering enigmatic, scintillating ride of aural pleasures. On this evidence The Vessels have the gravitas and maturity to go far.
Meanwhile, Youthmovies have more of a melodic element, with sweeping vocals accompanied by classy strings while some trumpets add a bite and bluster to the sound. A welcome electronic interlude amongst the collision of guitar bands comes in the shape of ‘Crosets’ by randomNumber, and Paul Marshall’s ‘The Horsewoman Came Home’ brings some quality folk into the equation.
Things take a dip with a rather turgid offering from Pulled Apart By Horses but Year of the Man fare better with the brooding ‘Deus Vult’ before the delightfully named Dinosaur Pile- Up’s appealing lo-fi indie rock. The vocals are somewhat reminiscent of Caleb from Kings of Leon, and the bluesy guitar is not a far cry from the band either. ‘I Get My Direction From….’ is a cut above most songs on this compilation and signals that this is one band worth keeping tabs on in the future.
Dutch depressives ‘We Vs Death’ bring things down a few notches with some sombre guitars and mournful vocals on ‘Golden Medals’ before the compilation finishes in grandiose style with a formidable 17 minute prog-metal folk epic from Humanfly featuring some ominous vocals from Rose (not Ross) Kemp. ‘We can no longer stand on the shores of oblivion’ they warn. Spooky stuff. The First Brainwash Compilation is certainly eclectic so the chances are they’ll be something on there for you to enjoy. Worth investigating.
