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Projekt Samplers: Projekt:Gothic & An Arbitrary Width of Shadows Reviewed by Matt Rowe on October 21, 2002 From time to time, Projekt Records releases “icy floe”sampler discs. There has never been a bad collection to date. That alone should tell you just how well thought out the selections are. What they do is to provide the lucky listener with a strong cross section of what Projekt, as a label, has to offer. And Projekt has much to offer. As a home to the myriad of bands that produce some of the most hypnotic and captivating music, Projekt stands as a solitary beacon of light in a world of pure musical essence. Projekt, run by a most insightful visionary named Sam Rosenthal, who understands musical styles like a green thumb tends a garden, with his garden being one of music with depth and meaning, have some of the world’s most impressive artists on its roster. Some have moved on to other things but if Sam releases a sampler, often it contains current and future music. Projekt has assembled two sampler discs that do several things. The first, “Projekt: Gothic” which calls itself an ethereal / darkwave compilation and is designed for Hot Topic as an introduction to the label and to the genre of music that Projekt defines so well, is a perfect starter kit. The clientele of Hot Topic are young music and fashion enthusiasts who are searching for something new. "Projekt:Gothic" is a perfect collection with which to encourage musical exploration. “Projekt: Gothic” offers up 13 tracks of impressive choices by the most influential bands and their most defining moments. Every song is as enchanting and as charismatic as each contributing band is unique. From the gothic comedy of Voltaire to the bleak despondency of Lycia; from the poetic melancholy of Black Tape for a Blue Girl to the ethereal beauty of Mira, there’s something for everyone here. The continuum of music is well explored here. With this disc, Projekt have provided the listener with a perfect sampling. All that remains are for the audience to respond and expand….and enjoy. The second Projekt sampler disc, “The Arbitrary Width of Shadows”, is created for Borders and represents the second volume in what is most likely an annual event. Borders have been good in showcasing Projekt releases. Borders is where I first came into contact with Projekt material myself so I can respect the fact that Projekt desires to give back to Borders. This sampler disc is not so much a compiled history of Projekt than it is a sampling of the current material being released. With Borders’ wide variety of music, the store becomes a perfect venue for exposure to the artists that make up Projekt. The collection of songs on this disc is satisfyingly diverse, opening a world of beauty and introspection to any one curious enough to venture forth. This disc, also known as ‘beneath the icy floe v.9’, is a great bargain with a great price that makes it accessible to virtually anyone. With artists like Black Tape for a Blue Girl and their wonderfully meditative songs of which you get two from their current “scavenger bride”; Mira, a gorgeous and airy band with dreamy vocals; the inimitable Lovespirals with their spacious “Dejame”; and the distinctive atmospheres of Steve Roach, Peter Ulrich (Dead Can Dance), Alio Die & Amelia Cuni, this release becomes an imperative purchase with exploration of talent so impressive, you’ll be forever amazed at the gathering of so much perfection on one disc. So….two great sampler discs at great prices available at great stores. How much more motivation do you need? DISC: Two well assembled discs of Projekt songs from various artists that sound great. Individually recorded but all providing as great a stereo mix as can be heard. PACKAGING These fantastic collections are as well packaged as can be. Each collection offers intriguing cover art and a four page booklet that present art, track listing and credits. Believe me, as bargain priced as these discs are, they go way beyond their worth in the selection of music. Projekt has generously valued priced what could be full priced various artists collections. Projekt is to be commended on providing the consumer with high value music at an incredibly low cost. THE FINAL SAY Sam Rosenthal cares about his roster of artists and the consumer. His approach of providing a stimulating set of sampler discs at low cost and in tie-in promotions at Hot Topic and Borders shows why Projekt stands alone, even among its peers, as the label that excels. There is now no excuse to snap these discs up while you can.
Copyright © 2002 Matthew Rowe. All rights reserved. Site is designed for 1024x768 resolution. |
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Projekt: Gothic /2002 / 60:31 Minutes / 13 Tracks / CD