This features nine bands showcasing two tracks apiece produced by Gordon Raphael. New York's The Astro Jet and Soundtrak pursue hectic, angular new wave with conviction if not originality. But it's Berlin's Van Der Meer who greatly impress with "Now I've Found You", a ravishing dream-pop blast akin to My Bloody Valentine colluding with Juliana Hatfield. Elsewhere, the yearning, lyrical introspection of The Satellites shows that Raphael's A&R ear matches his studio skills.
Following labelmate Jesse Malin's success, twentysomething Jeff Klein's take on warped American mores pitches up in a darker backwater. Opener "Everything I Alright" is a suicidal arsonist's tale built around a grisly-lullaby keyboard loop and guest (and Klein landlady!) Patty Griffin's back-ups. "If I Get To California" rocks like early Uncle Tupelo, and "Another Breakdown" is a huskier Ryan Adams.
