Homebrew 

The great thing about local compilations is finding out about more local groups than you've been able to catch live, new work folks in older bands are working on now, and overall to get a sense of the music community being represented. Compulation succeeds at all three, though the musical niche at work here is predominately rock-based, so there are no, say, hip-hop or other genres present, but no illusion that mass representation was the goal here, either. Within rock and pop circles, this is a stylistic mix, and it does succeed in representing a good amount of current Triangle bands. It's a hefty roster, too. Here's a rundown.

Des Ark: Dammmmn. Aimee Argote's tortured vocals are full of conviction, engaging from the first note. She and drummer Tim Herzog are joined by Sandra Covin, giving "Yes Sir, Yes Way's" frayed edges a gilded frame with Rhodes organ flourishes. From the outset, the gurgly organ sounds mark the Jett Rink cut as their own, with Viva's whiney yelp cutting through all but the staccato guitar jabs. Newbies in town Schooner throw in a catchy singalong pop ditty that sticks in the head, then Cantwell, Gomez and Jordan burn through some growling hardcore trash, that occasionally splinters and fully manages to clobber. Note to self: Ghost of Rock formula is no brakes plus few chords equals one ton of venom. The Nein is notable for making their leftfield rocker "War Is on the Stereo" one of the only local bands to address the war in Iraq, or the hush-hush Bush regime. Goner serves up a gritty number for just working with bass, drums and synthesizers, while Razzle cleaves a hunk of rock the old masters would enjoy. The Sames show up with more of their fine adventurous pop, with Marc Faris' impeccable guitar tones leading the way, and Portastatic's "Skinny Glasses Girl" features boisterous guitar workouts from Mac and company. Twenty-one cuts on this release, and it's well worth a gander as good music.