Various Artists - VC Comp 1.0

Ahh, the new label compilation cd. No doubt, the mix disc is a great way to introduce people to artists on a label that they are more than likely completely unfamiliar with. But what happens when a label decides to put a disc featuring not only the artists that are currently on their roster, but any band they feel needs some exposure; regardless of the benefit? You get a one helluva varied mix disc is what happens. Vacant Cage Records is by no means a household name. However, their first compilation disc (entitled VC Comp 1.0) is 20 tracks that might make you take notice of what they are doing. With music ranging from piano pop (Fluid Ounces), to furious math rock (Serotonin), to Mogwai-esque instrumentals (Character), to sugary indie (Velcro Stars), to space-rock (Across the Fields), to aggro-noodling (Tony Danza Tap Dance Extravaganza), to lo-fi indie pop (Preservatives), you really can't help but find something on the disc that you enjoy. If I had to say something bad about the disc, it would be that the production doesn't feel consistent across the board (the volume tends to ebb and flow). But really, it's a compilation CD - homogeny isn't really what you're looking for. Assuming Vacant Cage keeps putting out CD's of music they enjoy, regardless of them being exclusive to the label or not, this is the first in a long line of enjoyable discs. Are you going to love everything on here? Absolutely not. Is it possible that you might just discover an artist or two that are worth keeping an ear out for? Absolutely. [www.vacantcagerecords.com]