Various Artists: Sur La Mer Samp-Le-Mer

Various Artists
Sur La Mer Samp-Le-Mer
5 Rue Christine

Noise label 5 Rue Christine’s first sampler initially looks like a rarities collection, but the “exclusive tracks” come off more like a compilation of also-rans based on their quality. The decidedly average assortment of tracks offers few true highlights, although the two offerings from Deerhoof, the label’s first signer, are interesting enough. 5RC music is challenging in general, and a track like The Robot Ate Me’s “Lynching Luncheon” makes the listener slightly uncomfortable and just a bit disoriented. Sur La Mer Samp-Le-Mer is the kind of compilation that leaves the listener knowing there is something they just aren’t “getting”, but that rock snobs will keep spinning anyway.

RATING 4 / 10