Prague-based label Kitty Kant Collective unveils Compilation Volume Two, an 18-track solarpunk cassette and zine. Moving across garage-punk, folk, and ambient textures, the international release brings together global voices to explore community, sustainability, and creative resistance against dystopian futures. “When small creative projects like this pull together many voices, we can be reminded of the wealth and prosperity of community,” says Patrick Keenan, who crafted the compilation alongside Mert Salkim.
The compilation gets underway in fantastic form with “Cops vs. Kids,” a charismatic, momentum-filled rocker from NY-based trio The Life on Mars. A title-touting declaration struts a suave intrigue amidst twanging guitars, assuming a breezier lushness following the “catch the spark, out after dark” glimpses of escapism. Gorgeous guitar glistening pairs with string-laden dreaminess for an especially absorbing sequence, then carrying into a satiating finale. The ensuing “Influencia” — from Palm Ghosts — delights with a more approachable, anthemic rock soaring. “It’s no commitment, really don’t sweat it,” the vocals let out during a sturdy central hook, finding a balance between solemn introspection and jumpy, twangy guitar blaring. The “look at me” beckoning that follows brings us back to replay-inducing, anthemic territory.
The compilation doesn’t let up in quality after its strong opening one-two punch. Brooklyn-based band smoltz stand out with “lucky ones,” weaving murky guitar textures with brisk rhythms, in finding a lovely dose of garage-rock ardor, post-punk bass pulses, and shoegaze-y textures. Up next, “Mouth Issues” from Reverse Machine, the one-man project of Estonia-based artist Zaur Babayev. The track’s “dance with me” multi-vocal yearning pairs with head-nodding guitar progressions before descending into a chilly, bass-forward interlude, for a riveting listening experience. Electric guitar fragments enamor in the subsequent section, as well. Also excelling in the rock realm is “Carved in Stone” from Deaf Heart, unleashing some of the heavier, delectably snarling guitar fuzziness on the compilation.
Another aesthetical realm entirely succeeds with Cloud Physics‘ “Geese Flying Overhead,” an ambient track driven by spacey synth progressions and field recordings of its namesake. The result is a surprisingly serene immersion, hypnotizing in its lovably oddball sound. Elsewhere, Tucson, Arizona-based act Golden Alphabet consumes with the acoustic-driven “If You Think, You’re Insane” — whose “you don’t have to be hateful” and “feel the morning shine” sentiments conjure a meditative, amiable glow that blooms into a harmoniously blissful chorus. Pink Soda‘s “Citydog” then delivers well with its mixture of vintage electronics and funky guitar swirls, while Past This Line Lies Newport continues the release’s eclectic tonal display with a contagious rock allure, merging peppy ’80s nostalgia and early ’00s punk-revival charm. Full of dynamic, consistently melodic and creative songcraft, Kitty Kant Collective: Compilation Volume Two presents a fantastic array of songs.
