 Various Artists
Payola, One (released 2006)
Smashed Records - www.smashedrecords.com
This sixteen song compilation disc is the first in the series of Payola comps to be released through Smashed Records. The album features bands from all over Australia, and two from Sweden. Not sure how or why the Swedish bands made it on the comp. Not that they're bad, in fact, the two Sweden based bands offer up two of the best tracks on the album. I just wondered if the album was meant to showcase the efforts of Australian bands or bands that the label works with on a regular basis. None of that matters though, once you actually listen to the disc. There are all flavors of music featured on here: pop, rock, ska-punk, metal, indie and more. Indeed the compilation is showcasing something...the diverse array of music that is happening in Australia. Of all the bands, Third Time Lucky stand out, perhaps because they have two tracks on the disc, but more importantly they sound a lot like Frenzal Rhomb. In my book, that's great 'cause FR is a great band! Third Time Lucky play that same infectious punk rock that bounds on both sides of pop punk and pub rock, a perfectly right down the middle band. Another favorite is the first featured Swedish band, En Garde. They burst the album open with a scortching track of groovy dance-styled indie rock, reminds me of another Swedish band: Square. While not all of the tracks are punk rock, this album isn't meant to be that focused, which makes the disc interesting on each and every track. With all the flavors that make up Australia (and on two counts, Sweden), Smashed Records has pulled together what appears to be a fine slice of the music scene of their homeland. A compilation that shouldn't be missed, especially if you haven't explored the music ouside of your geographical borders. -MG |
