Rating: NNNN
Hand Drawn Dracula is one of Toronto’s best indie labels, but it’s still small enough that you shouldn’t feel bad if it’s not on your radar yet. If that’s the case, though, you should definitely pick up this new summer sampler compilation, which features tracks by 16 label artists, including material from new sub-label Artificial. Even if you’re already a fan of some of the bands here, you’ll definitely discover some other acts you’ll love.
Label compilations often suffer from a lack of logical flow, but not here. Some of that is due to the imprint’s aesthetic, which is well defined at this point. Most of the acts share common influences: shoegazer dream pop is a major presence, as is gloomy new wave and a sprinkling of shimmering, ambient folk textures. The abundance of early 90s indie references occasionally make it feel a bit retro, but there are enough unexpected twists and modern turns to keep it contemporary.
Top track: Lovely Allen by Shugo Tokumaru
