V/A – NY2LON / 2005 Filter / 19 Tracks / http://www.ny2lon.com / http://www.filterusrecordings.com / Reviewed 16 December 2005

Instead of being like most normal compilations, NY2LON is actually a disc that has truly new bands. With the exception of The Morning After Girls and Giant Drag, the bands are fairly smaller-market. Don’t let this terminology confuse you, though; the bands are at least as professional as any band that is getting airplay. Bands like The Ordinary Bands recall both Duran Duran and Spandau Ballet, while infusing their “Little Bubble” with a spontaneity that would even make The Clash blush.

While all the bands have a professional sound throughout the runtime of NY2LON, there is actually a large difference in quality between the bands on this disc. Magneta Line is the next band that impresses; there are hints of bands like Sahara Hotnights and even Sisters of Mercy put together in a indie-punk romp called “Their Party Days”. Amusement Parks on Fire uses distortion to create a swirling wind that carries their vocals into meory; the brooding nature of the track is yet another of the high marks on this disc. However simplistic the track may be, Two Gallants’ “Anna’s Sweater” is comparable to “Grave Dancer’s Union”-era Soul Asylum in sheer emotional impact for style of music placed on the disc. The Organ keep the string of strong tracks running with their “Steven Smith”; this track has a sound and a polish that is tied to early Cure. The lead vocals on the track sound relatively deadpan but come through with a tremendous ability to emote; couple this with an equally-emotional bass line and one has a track that is nearly the strongest on the disc. Another track on NY2LON that really has a tremendous amount of bang for its buck is the simplistic “California” by Eugene.

Essentially all that is going on at any part of this track is a guitarist strumming along and a drummer essentially hitting one drum through its duration, while the vocals on the track do the most in coming up with a proper harmony. NY2LON has the distinct possibility of breaking a host of new bands each year; while the majority of the bands have a major indie influence, there is nothing saying that future versions of this compilation have to stick to this same general formula. For a proper checklist of what bands will make it big in the next few years, pick up yearly editions of this an whatever cycle Deep Elm is currently on (This Is Indie Rock right now).

Top Tracks: Magneta Lane’s “Their Party Days”, Eugene’s “California”

Rating: 6.8/10

[JMcQ]