Team Waterpolo are perhaps the most recognisable name on Worcester based label Cat Cutter’s freely available compilation CD, but they have to take a backseat here despite the bright and breezy ‘Problematic Girls’ proving a pleasing listen; lazily building up before breaking free into a frantic rush that evaporates almost as quickly as it turned up.
Kid ID do their best to grab the attention too, a pleasing trumpet and acoustic led trawl through a unassuming and perky love song called ‘Love Is’; at over five minutes long it does stretch on a little unnecessarily but in the broad sun of summer there’s nothing wrong with a bit of over indulgence surely.
The true highlights of this fourteen track compilation however come from Brighton-based three piece Foxes! and Birmingham foursome Télégramme. The former take Postal Service synths, Nintendo style melodies and minimal percussion, and lightly mould it together to provide something slight but alluring behind lead vocalist Kayla Bell’s wistful melancholy vocals in the delightful ‘It’s Ridiculous, Adam’; in keeping with the current Brighton music scene at the moment it’s something slightly away from the normal yet staying true to the elements of a catchy pop song. ‘Télégramme’ meanwhile add some much needed grit to a summer CD so lightweight at times that it could easily lift away into the blue skies; the key to the four piece are the impassioned vocals of female lead Faye who writhes and twists against the stompalong percussion and gently chugging guitars working behind her. So it’s fair to say that ‘Dance’ probably takes pride of place here amidst a summer compilation that contains a plethora of pleasant surprises. Brandon Steep’s ‘The Curse Of Mr Harold’ dances merrily through a catchy hi-hat rhythm and harmonic backing vocals whilst Ramin end proceedings with ‘Hidden Things’, reminiscent of Mogwai during their ‘Happy Songs For Happy People’ period.
As to be expected there are some weaker links and the most glaring is probably goFASTER>>, who steal Maximo Park’s forgotten riffs and fail to add any sort of imprint on them whatsoever on ‘NHS Dentist’; whilst the risible lyrics on CityLights ‘Mashed On Fashion’ sadly ruin their attempt at a holiday indie singalong. Not to worry though, because as a free sampler you’re not losing out by listening to any of this and in some cases the quality is truly excellent.
Date Released: Out Now
Label: Cat Cutter Records
