Not just a Face the Sun

Over the course of a few days, two prominent Screamo-compilations have been released: "Not just a Phase" Vol. 2, by the NOT JUST A PHASE-site/community, put out by Zegema Beach Records. And a week earlier we got the next charity-sampler by the BSDJ-label/community. 

Last week one of my best friend's uncle died at the age of 60 due to cancer. He got the diagnosis six months ago and wasn't ready to go, saying something like "I don't want to leave yet" on his dying bed. He became a grandfather not too long ago...

Cancer is an asshole. This is also the message on the new BSDJ-comp "Face the Sun and Refuse to Wilt". The profit will go to the Cancer Research Institute. You surely know what to do, by now?!

As far as I see it's the longest BSDJ-comp yet with 37 tracks clocking in at 96 minutes. That's massive! The community is ever growing and there are always new artists showing up, mixing things up naturally. This time around, there aren't that many BSDJ main stays, though there's a lot new stuff to discover. 

The range is impressive, from Screamo to (Midwest-)Emo to Hardcore to Acoutisc to pure Noise (good, long section in the middle of the comp) to more relaxed, Electronica-tinged music. In fact, the whole comp is pretty heavy on Electro-sounds, but it's interesting to hear the different directions the artists take. The act LxL CRx WBAR especially stood out to me, blending Drum'n'Bass with screamy Emo. 

Dig your nose into this comp, if you're open-minded and have a knack for the BSDJ-community. They already raised over 200 bucks in the first week, and that's way cool. The 20 tapes that were made are already sold out, but you can support this awesome cause with a donation on Bandcamp. Go for it!

"Face the Sun and Refuse to Wilt" on Bandcamp

Compared to the more experimental character of "Face the Sun and Refuse to Wilt", you know what you're in for with "Not Just a Phase" Vol. 2. It's basically all Screamo in different shades. 

The sampler is a pretty short and to-the-point-affair. You'll get 20 tracks in 40 minutes, most of the songs don't even crack the 2-minute-mark. That makes up for an entertaining, tense listen. On top, the roster is stacked with cool acts, who already put out good stuff in the last couple of years. Acts like BURIAL ETIQUETTE, LETTERBOMBS, MY HAIR IS A RAT'S NEST, NORFAIR, SALT MONEY, SNAG or VS SELF. To me personally it's 50/50 on bands I know and bands I either never heard or know by name only. That's the perfect combination for a sampler, if you ask me. 

Each band delivered an unreleased track, which makes the comp even more interesting for everyone into Screamo. The cover art done by the guy behind WARREN OF OHMS is a beauty and the tapes got the always amazing swirl-treatment by Dave Norman. It was 110 cassettes in 5 variants, but they sold out within a few days. Still, there's the chance to support NJAP and Zegema Beach with a download. They're doing great things for Screamo, thus the money's always well spend!

NOT JUST A PHASE Vol. 2 on Bandcamp