Who would have thought that such talent was lying in the deepest underground of the local scene? I have to admit that even here at Monolith, we were caught off guard, when the sonic wave that is contained in this compilation hit us in all its glory.
Spinalonga Records is a new label, founded by two of the Cube guys with one and only aim in mind. To create and maintain a vivid local scene. I can get behind such a noble vision, especially when in this case, it’s characterized by a Do-It-Yourself approach. The price of 5 euros is ridiculously low for a work of this quality, great not only in its musical content but in the artwork department as well. And it clearly shows that these people are not after a quick buck, but are interested solely in making their work available to the public. I can only tip my hat off to them.
Musically, the comp moves mainly in heavy rock ground with a few exceptions which further prove the variety of bands that deserve to be discovered. Liquidust kick off the CD with "Get It". The song kicks all kinds of ass yet I wholeheartedly declare that it doesn’t do justice to them. On their live performances they stand a couple of levels above this recording. Make no mistake though, the scream of Tanya will crash you to no end. In A Testube that follow, head for a neo-metalish approach that we here at Monolith are not very fond of. More power to them for loving what they do, and to be honest the song does have an addictive melody that you can’t ignore easily. Semen Of The Sun's "Confusion" is already a hit in the small base of fans that’s being built lately around these bands. And rightfully so, as the simple yet heavy as fuck riffs and rhythms will get you hooked for sure and force you to bang your head and sing along. Up next are Cube and their "Seven Steps" to rock heaven. Adding a few Tool-influenced complex structures to their stoner rock with a brilliant result that very few bands have managed to accomplish. Excellent vocal performance and fine musicianship. The Dive submit "Fabio, Fabio", a psychedelic rocker, reminiscent of the most focused Natas sonic journeys. Lyrics sang In Italian, increase the trippy vibe of the tune. This is where a tad of melody is incorporated in the comp with the Cure-like "Wishes For Happiness" by No Balance, the melancholy-dripping "So Confused" by Anima and the eerie feeling of "Wasted" by Ludmila (with Flora of Make Believe fame, back in the saddle). "Carbon" by Yellow Devil Sauce is great and heavy enough but again fails to capture the power of their live show, which is improved vastly in the last 3 years that we watch them. "Winter" by Fingers Crossed leans towards the pop side of things as well. Maybe it could work better if it was a bit shorter. We have already introduced you to Acid Baby and their release from last year. "Stonedaze" (included in that demo), offers a nice combination of male/female vocals, and a retro atmosphere with the guitar solo and keys. Planet of Zeus are not messing around, their message is pretty straight forward. "Smoke Weed" fills the room with its nasty groove. And the compilation comes to its end with my two favourite tracks. Absent Mindead play an inspired post punk hybrid in "Servant Song" with the catchy as hell chorus. Misuse could easily be on the Hydrahead roster, as "Desecid" delves in the heavy post ground of Pelican and late-era Isis. Can’t get any better that this.
There is no excuse for any rock fan (especially Greek residents) to not have a copy of this. Visit the label’s site and search for the stores that carry it. Then go buy it and buy more copies for your friends. Get inside this yard. You’ll notice there’s more than just junk in there. Looking forward to the 2nd volume already.

www.spinalonga.net