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Various: Compilation

This is a release from Involve, the record label started by the man behind Aspen and Signer - Bevan Smith, who has clocked up numerous releases under those handles. This willfully obscurely named 'Compilation::' marks a departure from normal as it's released by both Involve and Wellington's capital recordings. It features three local acts and a contingent from overseas (three Brits, one Swede, one Aussie and a German), which Smith seems to have picked up while living in England. Smith features on three of the songs, as parts of Signer, Wilberforce and Skallander and chips in with a remix as well. But it's up to fellow Kiwi Andrew Thomas to kick things off with A Dream of a Spider, a nice mellow introduction to this 64 minute, 10 track CD. Midway through the CD changes tack to more minimal understated tracks such as In Sleep by Duo, and the Signer track Void Interior, which I found a bit too repetitive for my liking. The last Kiwi to feature is Matthew Mitchell who teams up with Smith (yet again) for the Skallander track Space Cream, a delightful cruise through the galaxy. It's described as a sound impacted upon by geography, and with two extra uncredited tracks to keep you on your toes, it's a sparse sound, while at the same time being warm and inviting. Kinda like trudging through the snow to a warm hut and a hot cup of tea. Recommended for those who like loud with their soft.

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