Artist: Various Artists
Album Title: The Criminal Sessions
Label: Criminal Records U.K.
Bones:
Summary: I thought it would be crap but here I am praising the damn thing!
Reviewed By: Kobrent

' The Criminal Sessions ' features tracks from 19 new artists under the umbrella of new London based indie label ' Criminal Records '. The compilation goes through various distinct mood changes that I have to say made me in awe of the sheer scale of Criminal Records signings. After a couple of listens it was totally clear that the label were not foolish as I had thought (signing this many bands for an indie is rather risky say not?), but emerging with new original bands. I had to ask myself whether I had been going to the right gigs in the past 8 years of living in London!

The compilation flows fluidly and covers a range of styles through the full 80 minute slot and was well worth the mere #7.49 that I paid for it. Featuring tracks from up and coming bands such as ' Norton ' (co-produced by Matthew Ollivier; Manic Street Preachers, The Veils), atmospheric rock band ' Kaibosh ', funky all girl band ' The Kut ' and post-punk rockers ' The Dirty Pins', the list of good tracks on this album are in abundance - the only downside at it being that it was not a double album! While some may indeed be critical of the wide musical variation between some of the tracks, for me this only suggested one thing - there really is something for everyone on this compilation, so what a better way for Criminal Records to promote their new artists EPs?

Overall, a well recommended CD, showcasing a whole range of good bands that I expect we shall be hearing much more about in the months to come. The only thing is, where am I going to put all the EPs?

[For more info on the bands & for MP3s go to www.CriminalRecords.cc]