It's always nice to review these samplers and get a taste of what's brewing in the underground. The first thing I notice is that the website address mentioned on the back of the CD is not right! That's a bit sloppy if you want to spread the word, but hey, let's talk about the music!

DREADFUL YAWNS - Present us with two beautiful songs that fall somewhere between Drake and Dylan. Makes you wanna go to the record store to look for the full length.

BLAKE MILLER - Again, yummy! Singer/songwriter Miller presents two tracks "Your Own Tree" and "Cut your Hair" and these are hook-heavy, folky songs.

MYSTERY OF TWO - Hmm, it's not the KINGS OF LEON sound mix show. Quit that fake southern accent please!

ROUE - Yes! VELVET UNDERGROUND-style drones mixed with just the right portion of noise. Well done guys, and these tracks "Bender Season" and "All About Time" make you hungry for more.

THE NEW LOU REEDS - These guys obviously like some name-dropping. The songs "Woody Allen" and "You Don't Have to Die" are garnished with a sixties vibe.

HOME AND GARDEN - What a pleasant surprise this is! The tracks "From the Life of King John" and "Marco Polo and the Voyage Home" are a strange mix of Irish influences (LUKA BLOOM) and unexpected beatbox pieces.

TMIBH - This is easily the hardest, wildest band on the sampler. "The Last Unicorn" and "About Last Night" are both garage punk songs. Not original, but quite tasty!

It seems Exit Stencil is a quaint little label with a portfolio of artists that deserve a wider audience. It covers many different styles and obviously the owners know their classics.

- Michels

OFFICIAL SITE: www.exitstencil.org

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