Various Artists - A Kind Of Awe & Reverence & Wonder

Well, we’re certainly impressed

Like Jazzman or Trunk, it’s gotten to the point where anything bearing the Twisted Nerve/Finders Keepers logos is a winner. Following on from their Bearded Ladies comp of a few months back, TN now give us this, which, while not quite living up to its name, is certainly more interesting than any of the “eclectic” Capitol Radio/Choice FM/Guff AM-endorsed compilations thrown at us on a monthly basis. Toolshed get the party started with their Eastern-meets-Afrobeat I Rooster II, and Voice Of The Seven Woods continue to mine the damn-near-TN-trademark of contemporary folk with a blast of Eastern exotica. Things get electro-atmospheric with Astroid Power-up!’s Kaveh, couched in a string arrangement that makes it sound like Space Invaders scored for children’s TV, while 9bach bring the Welsh-language folk, and Liftmen give us a blast of early 90s lo-fi. While it doesn’t have the complete cohesion of other compilations from these guys (or the liner notes; where the hell are we going to find out more without your help?), it’s a fine mix of contemporary prog, psych and folk from France, America, England and Wales, which shows you don’t have to have major label megabucks or create internet phenomenon hype to be heard by people who care.

Twisted Nerve | TN 078

Reviewed by Jason Draper
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