Album Review: Various Artists - Alcopopular 4

The compilation album is a bit of a confusing beast. In some ways they can be great at getting all your favourite tracks in one place, or for a massively reduced price. Alcopopular 4 boasts to be the first customisable compilation album. From a choice of 26 tracks, users can choose 14 numbers, laid out in a form of dinner menu, with starters, mains, desserts and even the house wine list. All for a fiver too. This is a great example of doing something a little bit different from the regular digital download, and they have even got tracks from bands like Liam Frost, Stagecoach, The Xcerts and Jose Vander to name but a few.

The compilation is a great mix of Pop and Indie numbers, such as 'These Times' by Vanders, whose catchy twee-pop is sure to explode into the mainstream soon. 'Generator Second Floor' by Freelance Wales is another brilliant number, with imaginative melody lines and great vocal patterns. Bands like Tom Williams & The Boat bring a more mainstream Indie sound, but again it's full of powerful vocals and solid chords.

Someone I've been a fan for a while even shows up, with his great track 'All of Everything, Erased'. Kevin Devine's live show is something to be seen, the emotion in his tracks really comes across when everyone is in silence as he plays. The mighty Violin-wielding instrumental Talons also show their face with the huge 'Manatee', which breaks the mould by bringing a more intense feel.

Alcopop have managed to get a huge range of quality artists, ranging from rising, reasonably unknown talent to bigger tracks that many fans will recognise. The styles vary throughout, so it provides for some enjoyable listening. This compilation is sure to make you want to discover more from each and every one of these artists.

4.5/5

'Alcopopular 4' is released on Alcopop Records on July 4th.

Further details can be found here.

Full track listing:
STARTERS (Pick 2)
1. Liam Frost – Skylark Avenue
2. Klaus – Under The Sheets (Ellie Goulding cover)
3. Jose Vanders – These Times
4. Lucy Day - A Fire in the Sea

MAIN COURSE – Pick 5
5. Kevin Devine – All of Everything, Erased
6. Tom Williams & The Boat – My Will
7. Perms – Give Me All Your Lovin’
8. Person L – Pleasure Is All Mine
9. SuperFantastics – As the Lights Go Down
10. Spring Offensive – A Let Down
11. Heathers - Remember When
12. Freelance Whales – Generator Second Floor
13. Ute – Brother
14. Spectres – Spider and Fly
15. The Xcerts – Home vs Home (Blueskies Remix)

DESSERTS – Pick 3
16. Muchuu – Their World
17. Talons – Manatee
18. Mimas – Mac, Get your Gear
19. Hiawata! – Lightning of the Sun

HOUSE WINE – Pick 4
20. The Candle Thieves – The Sunshine Song (live acoustic at G&Ds ice cream parlour)
21. My First Tooth – June July
22. Aspen Sails – Comfort
23. Stagecoach - Headbangers Ball (Streaming below)
24. Elephants – Alexander
25. Screaming Maldini – Monkey See Badger Do
26. A Mystery Beverage… Alcopop’s new signing! (as yet unveiled)

Mark Allen