Add to the mix (From Stroud News and Journal)

Add to the mix

Hub compilation CD - Review

THE HUB Collective; weren't they big in the rave era? Well, no - the Hub Collective is actually an innovative new music project, based in Stroud, that aims to bring musicians together to develop new work.

This, the first of many planned compilations from the Hub, is intended as a showcase for Stroud talent. The town has long been known as a haven for creativity and the birthplace of some cracking bands, but until now any compilation of the area's musical efforts has sadly been lacking.

It is good to know then that most of this album is really rather good, including tracks from rocktastic riff merchants SuperJuice and bouncy blues-laced dub from Lazy.

Eccentric muso's favourite Kid Carpet provides one of the highlights with Nelson Street Space Invaders, a cavalcade of crashing beats and weird noises that sounds like the theme tune to a children's television programme so warped that children aren't allowed to watch.

Strangely-dressed but strangely good Nailsworth song-smith Hamish also provides an uplifting moment with Santa Cruz, a catchy acoustic ballad telling the tale of a hitchhiking trip in the USA.

Well-known but sadly departed Stroud band Flipside contribute two numbers - well, their guitarist Andy Dunn did co-produce this album - reminding everyone just how good the funky hip-hop merchants were.

Final track Blunted Freaks is guaranteed to have almost everyone in the room spinning the 'air decks' in a trice. Rather embarrassingly.

For anyone new to the Stroud music scene, this compilation is an excellent introduction. Bring on compilation number two.