The Melodic label started in 1998 after hearing a demo tape from JamesRutledge, and releasing his Pedro EP in June of 1999. Over the pastthree years, they have released a dozen vinyl EPs and singles, and afew full-lengths on vinyl and CD. This is their first compilationrelease, and it's a collection of songs from artists with releases onthe label, and artists that they have received tracks from these pastthree years. Designed to be a cohesive listening experience - verysimilar sounding and feeling tracks from all artists - you're supposedto just put this on at a party or in your house and experience it. Andmost of it is pretty even and worth listening to. All tracks haveelements of electronics, and move along at a medium pace. And eventhough they're very similar, there is a diversity here underneath itall when you consider that these bands are from different backgrounds.Pedro is the only artist featured twice, and since he was the label'sfirst signing, it makes sense. But he is not the most enchanting artistthis CD features. Minotaur Shock, whose track 'Lady Came From BalticWharf' is gorgeous and moving, is a consistently worthwhile listen, andthere is great anticipation for the Lucky Pierre full-length later thisyear. But I was most impressed by the Empire State track, who are onWarm in the US. Having never heard them before, I liked the grooves andbeats from three guys in Athens, GA. The sampled strings and xylophonesmake it sound like one of those Dolby test discs at one point, withnoise coming from places that almost scare the shit out of you. Then,at the end, it just breaks into a fast-paced sound collage. Good stuffhere from Melodic, worth listening to if you're not familiar with anyof the artists, as it's a low-priced introduction to them all.
samples:
- Pedro - Seven Eight
- Empire State - The Elements of a Wish
- Minotaur Shock - Lady Came From Baltic Wharf
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