Various - Full Charge (High Voltage)
5/5
By: Gareth Roberts
Following on from last year's 'Power Overload' compilation, a record which helped launch the careers of artists such as Liam Frost and Polytechnic, Manchester's High Voltage label release this, a collection of the current crop of talent emerging from the city.
Kicking off in no uncertain terms with the urgent drive of The KBC's 'Pride Before the Fall' (which incidentally is surely one of the best songs you've never heard), the tunes simply don't let up. Lamacq favourites Snowfight In The City Centre manage to merge Kate Bush and The Delays to tantalising effect, whilst current 'hype' bands Bureau and The Answering Machine more than pull their weight.
The record is essentially a showcase of artists at different stages of development, and whilst those mentioned are already receiving the recognition they deserve, it is the newer acts which provide the real excitement. The Jackpot, despite clearly attending the Alex Turner school of songwriting, manage to pull of their 'Monkey's sung by Mancs' number without being annoying, whilst 4ft Soldiers show enough potential to warrant further investigation. Meanwhile Modernaire conjure up a seductive whirl of sleaze and decadence with 'Faites Tes Jeux', definitely ones to watch.
The addition of already established acts like Dead Disco and The Whip add that extra bit of muscle, almost setting an example for the rookies surrounding them. High Voltage are quickly becoming an independent label to watch, and if the bands here are anything to go by, they should be responsible for some exciting releases over the next year. 'Full Charge' is an essential introduction to some of the hottest bands in the country, let alone Manchester, and further evidence that the city is re-establishing itself as a hotbed of creative talent.
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