No Distance Records - Volume Compilation Review
It’s so refreshing to hear a compilation of universally brilliant young musicians from London.
A new compilation vinyl hits us from South East London based No Distance Records. Rock and roll isn’t dead and No Distance wants to make sure we don’t forget it. The result is a high octane offering from some of London’s best new artists. With the transitory nature of streaming services, we’ve been gifted a mixtape here on tangible vinyl to remind us of the joy of music.
Kicking off Side A with a mega riff from Sweet Unrest, this vinyl is punchy and hits us hard from the start. We roll into the mega high energy of Test Plan, keeping the drive of the opening track with their punk attitude. Lacuna Common give us an uplifting indie track which should be played at all house parties from now on. Tulpa gives us our first female fronted track with the singers vocals floating over a gritty riff. Big Camo hit us with some nostalgic indie tones and some bubbling bright lead guitar. Next up we have a bluesy contribution from Solitude Sometimes Is, with an opening Americana stomp blended with vocals much more rooted in UK indie nostalgia.
Side B opens with an edgier track to us by the dark energy of Scarlet Woolfe. Heavy rock energy with female vocals is always a winner in my books so I’m energised for the second half. Shtepi brings punk energy up to date. And from the effortless power of this track you’d think it never went out! Following up is a garage influenced track from female fronted Fanchon with a catchy riff and heavy chorus and light vocals. Side B has its pedal to the metal.
goldenbloom hit us with some mega vocals and hard hitting riffs. I’m such a big fan of vocalists letting their accent come through and it’s great to hear goldenbloom agree with me. Swinging us into another blues tinted track, Douglas in Fur with their surf rock reminiscent guitar tones take us on a trip. And trust me it’s a fantastic trip. Finally, Dr Peel see us out with an optimistic slower tempo hit. The perfect way to end this compilation.
It’s so refreshing to hear a compilation of universally brilliant young musicians from London. The capital always needs more rock and roll and these bands are all too happy to provide. Compilations are such a great way to discover new music and with this album immortalised in classic vinyl, we’re given the gift of new artists and new tracks to send us into the end of the year in style. Here’s to hoping we hear some of these bands on the London and wider UK stages in 2025. They deserve it.