Artist: Various Artists

Album: Take Action! Volume 4

Label: Sub City

Tracks: 41

Length: 141:10

               Reviewed By: Justin Brinker

 

The fourth installment of the Take Action series continues in the same vein as compilations past.  Each year it seems like the band roster gets bigger which in turn gives you more music for your money; which is always a good thing. The benefiting charity for this compilation is the National Hopeline Network to raise awareness of suicide, most notably teen suicide.  The two disc set also features a free copy of the best selling book, Suicide: The Forever Decision…For Those Thinking About Suicide and For Those Who Know, Love, or Counsel Them.  As if that is not enough there is also a depression-screening tool, information on depression, web resources, among many other useful tools. 

 

This compilation features a lot of heavy hitters in the world of independent rock, punk, emo, etc.  The main problem with this compilation is that it does not feature a lot of unreleased material, most of it is found on the band’s EP or full-length’s.  In fact the only unreleased track on the first disc is from NOFX who give us “Concerns of a GOP Neo-Phyte (Wrong Version)” there is also an acoustic version of Against Me! “You Look Like I Need a Drink.” There are some bands on here that I have wanted to hear that I haven’t gotten a chance to hear like Boys Night Out’s “I Got Punched in the Face for Sticking my Nose in Other People’s Business” and Murder By Death’s “Canyon Inn, Room 16” and were both very impressive.  Squad Five-0 offers “Lay It Down” and Underoath’s “Reinventing Your Exit” is also found on the first disc.  The last half of the first disc caters to those with a harder taste.  Shadows Fall, Fear Before the March of Flames, Mastodon, and The Dillinger Escape Plan round out much of the roster for disc one.

 

The second disc is somewhat stronger in its roster and with the song selection as well. Coheed and Cambria present “The Crowing” and the eschewed Taking Back Sunday bid “Bonus Mosh Pt. II” for a sub par listening experience.  One of the best songs on the compilation is from Brandtson providing another unreleased gem “Birds and Sparrows” that showcases a more upbeat almost pop punk flavor but still embodies the trademark Brandtson sound.  A few other standout tracks include Ted Leo The Pharmacists “Six Months in a Leaky Boat”, Brazil’s saxophone tinged unreleased, “And So it Goes”, Pedro the Lion’s “Discretion”, Roy’s “Wipe That Brow”, and Melee’s “The War.”  It also has its share of weak moments with songs from The Early November, Roses are Red, and an alternative version of Rufio’s “Don’t Hate Me.”

 

This compilation is a great way to sample different bands from different genres while still supporting a just cause. At times it can be hit and miss in terms of the roster, but with 41 songs, two discs, a book, and the tools to equip those who struggle with a serious illness this is a release that should be supported by many.