by Sydney Salk (@sydney.salk)
Welcome to Various Artists! This is a new quarterly column highlighting compilations, the people who make them, and the causes they champion. For the inaugural issue, I’m covering six different albums, all of which come from entirely different scenes and genres, but are connected through their love of collective work. Each release is accompanied by a “Choice Cut” from an artist that stands out, although it’s always hard to pick a favorite. It’s also important to note that most of these compilation’s proceeds go to charity, so if you find something you like, please send your support!
Song Above The Land: A Compilation For Palestine
Organized by Half A Million, the label arm of Belltower Records in Massachusetts, Song Above the Land’s proceeds go entirely to Gaza Soup Kitchen. The genre-agnostic collection brings together artists from New England and beyond who work in folk, punk, ambient, and experimental sound collage. Chuck Johnson and Mountain Movers make appearances, as well as Holt Bodish of Mordecai.
Choice Cut: Miranda Spatula - “Comfort”
The Spatulas bandleader’s acoustic track is intimate and affecting as she puts herself in the shoes of those affected by genocide. Miranda also has a new collab album called Around and About You with fellow comp contributor Nowhere Flower (Lila Jarzombek) that’s well worth your time.
Pomegranate Seeds: An International Benefit for Mutual Aid in Gaza
The fourth in a series of successful benefits organized by Philadelphia punk band the Dissidents, Pomegranate Seeds features rare and unreleased tracks from around the world. Copenhagen’s JJ & the A's break down the false promise of “Manifest Destiny,” Spanish-language Texans Guerra Final fight against the “Terror Sionista,” and Philly’s own Mesh craft their own “Weapon of Peace.” Proceeds go to a variety of charities which you can view on their Bandcamp.
Choice Cut: Holocausts - “שואה Shoa”
Holocausts are an anti-zionist punk band creating real change for the youth of “Israhell,” organizing shows, selling zines, and breaking down the systemic militarism of their culture. Their hardcore track “שואה Shoa” takes the genre back to its political roots, warning its public in Hebrew, “but here we are again, 80 years afterward/Repeating the same old mistakes that we made before.”
Slow Dance '24
At the beginning of each year, British label Slow Dance Records releases a compilation of their favorite alternative discoveries, many of which go on to do great things. This outing includes members of Moreish Idols, nepo-baby actress Esme Creed-Miles, and Québécois filmmaker Princess Demeny with some of her first musical output since the 80s. The British alternative sensibility is strong, with lo-fi trip-hop vibes and dark, languid experimentalism throughout.
Choice Cut: The Cowards - “March Of The Cow”
Who are the Cowards? One gets lost in the spiraling, chaotic sweep of “March of The Cow,” their recording debut that proves they have much more confidence than their name. The band has less than 150 followers on Instagram and a single, blurry photo on the grid, but it appears that they’re playing shows.
Save Room Themes
Inspired by video game checkpoints, Save Room Themes features new ambient works and is the first release organized by Arcane Dynamic, a new label from British synth-punks Powerplant. While some artists like Quest Master and Theodor Kentros are already experts at crafting mystical instrumentals, it’s also exciting to hear some unexpected artists interpret the assignment, like D.S. Carlyle of the Serfs or Moses Brown from Institute and Peace de Résistance. True to theme, you can also buy the album on a Nintendo DS Cartridge, or even commemorate the occasion with a limited edition t-shirt. All proceeds go to Operation Olive Branch and Base UA, which provide humanitarian aid in Gaza and Ukraine.
Choice Cut: otta - “Track X”
Previously featured on Slow Dance ‘18, otta has since gained attention with her 2020 Songbook EP and subsequent singles, leading to a residency at London underground hub The Windmill, and kudos from Iggy Pop himself. “Track X” highlights her knack for cross-genre experimentation, where chopped and screwed beats mingle with medieval jigs and ethereal ambiance.
BATTLE FOR L.A.: a see/saw benefit
see/saw editor Evan Minsker tapped some of his favorite punks and rockers for a forty-song festival to benefit the families affected by the Eaton and Palisades Fires in Los Angeles. It’s also exciting to see modern legends like Gee Tee and Billiam rub elbows with newer acts like P. Noid and Shrudd. The cassette run with Knuckles on Stun is already sold out, but you can still support the cause over on Bandcamp.
Choice Cut: Sweeping Promises - “Manic Monday (The Bangles cover)”
Sweeping Promises up the tempo on the already exceptional Bangles hit penned by Prince. Vocalist Lira Mondals soars over the track with an infectious energy that feels like the perfect sunny Sunday that the lyrics dream of.
Song Telephone
A project years in the making, Song Telephone plays a game in which one set of lyrics and a guitar riff are interpreted by eight different bands. “Japanese Death Poems” is filtered through the lens of egg punk, emo, singer-songwriter, and more. The compilation was organized by Baltimore-based band Krime Slugs and released through Nashville’s Knuckles on Stun.
Choice Cut: Creachies - “Japanese Death Poems”
It was hard to pick a favorite from this batch of transformations, but I’ve decided to highlight the Creachies, whose fast, crunchy synth is enhanced by the duo’s sense of vocal harmony.
Sydney Salk is a writer and zine-maker based in Brooklyn, NY. She does a lot of things, hopefully some of them are good. If you liked this column you should read her zine Compilation Nation, which is dedicated to archival releases. (sydneysalk.com)