The Militia Group Sampler - Kumquats & Apricots

Any good record compilation does a few things quickly. First, it has to keep your attention. It cannot play out like a bad movie soundtrack. It has to do something to suck you in as you listen. The other thing it has to do is give you a good crossection of those it represents. Fortunately, The Militia Group's sampler, "Kumquats & Apricots", does just that.

The sampler starts out with perhaps the label's two best, most well-known bands, The Appleseed Cast and Brandtson. "Here We Are (Family In The Hallway)" and "Nobody Dances Anymore", from both band's latest releases, turn out the first seven minutes of the sampler in fine style.

Throughout the cd, the listener weaves in and out through tracks from recently released or at the time soon-to-be (now out) offerings from some of TMG's best bands, including (aside from AC and Brandtson) Umbrellas, Controlling The Famous, and Denison Witmer. As with most compilations, the one downfall here is that it would have been a much more enjoyable experience to hear some songs from the bands that were previously unreleased or rare tracks. However, it's likely that this free sampler makes its way to tour merch tables across the country, and it is typically more productive for the label, as well as the bands themselves, if current offerings prevail in an attempt to garner some new fans along the way.

All in all, "Kumquats & Apricots" is an excellent example of some of the best that The Militia Group currently has to offer.