Various - This Is Indie Rock Volume 2

  by Benjamin Howarth

published: 24 / 7 / 2005

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I love getting these Deep Elm compilations. You can tell that by the number I have reviewed in the archives. This is the first, however, to begin with a track that combines electronica with experimental guitar lines, and I love the fact that I’ve stopped knowing what to expect from Deep Elm anymore. Once the label of melodic post hardcore, and punky indie rock, now they are spreading their wings a little. But, you do always know that Deep Elm put out only music that they really like. I’m sure you know how these compilations work by now, but for latecomers, here’s the drill. Deep Elm sort through the submissions of unsigned bands from around the world (anyone can submit a track, provided it is unreleased) and the best are released on a volume of their compilations. This is the second volume of 'This Is Indie Rock', the successor to their old series, 'The Emo Diaries'. On each occasion, all I’m looking for is a few new bands to check out and a few great songs to stick on compilations. As ever, this disc delivers. Meredith Bragg is a lovely acoustic balladeer, who deserves to be better known, whilst the New Lows play unflashy melodic indie with good melodies and effective harmonies, not unlike the Shins or the Ponys. Sedona have a rootsy folk sound, which is intriguingly punky in approach, and a vocalist who can sing a bit like Jeff Buckley. The Forecast are closer to Deep Elm’s melodic hardcore punk tradition, but they are very good, with two good singers and great hooks, like Hot Water Music jamming with early Further Sounds Forever. These are my favourites, but I’m sure you’ll have your own. As good a compilation of music you don’t know as you could hope to buy. Deep Elm on form as usual.

Track Listing:-

1 Maxel Toft- Band 2: Lesson 37 - Formal Speech
2 Jena Berlin- The Thief
3 Meredith Bragg And The Terminals- New York
4 The New Lows- Cold Shivers
5 Cameran- Crash Course About Diamonds
6 Sedona- I've Got Nothing For You, Phantom
7 The Forecast- Red As The Moon
8 Death Ships- Thelma Lou
9 The Silent Press- Can't You Tell
10 The Call Up- Brand New Life
11 Nature Living- Nothing Of The Sort
12 Bernard- My Brain

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