Ano(t)raks Has A New Compilation Album, B.D.V.A., Download It Now

Netlabel Ano(t)raks has gotten into a good groove of dropping a new compilation album every few months, using the format as a way to touch base with more established acts and as a chance to introduce new ones to the country. The nature of these various-artist works means they are far from perfect – and the compilations the indie-pop label has made available this year have been all over the place in terms of quality – but newest entry B.D.V.A. is one of the stronger collections they’ve put out yet. It opens with a surprise – whereas Ano(t)raks mainly deals in jaunty twee or gooey synth-pop, B.D.V.A. starts with the a sparse instrumental from Terukuni Makino, just some piano notes and a slowly building synth leading up to a lovely finale. It has more in common with drone music than indie-pop, and it is a fantastic curveball for the label. There are a few more breaks from the usual here – the label’s decision to bring Buddy Girl And Mechanic into the fold was great, as they always make things a bit more unsettling, while Sayoko-daisy contribute a hoppy little number sung entirely in Russian. And it ends with a rap song (not as hot). But where this shines is courtesy the indie-pop, some of the tightest to appear on an Ano(t)raks’ release this year. Usual suspects Post Modern Team and Foodie do what they do best, but the highlights come from less talked about outfits. The group noid turn what sounds like some front-porch folk-pop into a sparkling chorus, while mamayo constructs a laid-back song perfect for the group’s lead singer to sing-talk over…until hitting the chorus, and it just becomes pretty. The whole thing is good…get it here, or listen below.