(KVRX)
The idea of compiling a discful of local talent floated around the KTSB/KVRX
ether for years before becoming a reality with 1994's
Fallout: A Radioactive
Compilation. While that project did manage to overcome UT's stifling
administrative haggles, poor sound quality and uneven performances marred the
final product. Fortunately,
Cooking by Strobe Light... is compelling
evidence of lessons learned from past missteps. The eclectic lineup of 18
artists recorded live on the air covers quite a bit of ground. National acts
like Foreskin 500 and Lutefisk dot the landscape, but the superlative
performances come largely from Austin bands. The Motards' "Self Destructive"
satisfies like some dusty old track from an Eighties hardcore sampler, while
The 1-4-5's "The Eyes of Texas" plays the goofball side of that same card.
Suddenly, 7% Solution ("Threshold") shows up to blow your mind in a manner that
evokes Tangerine Dream with guitars, but without the god complex. Then Brown
Hornet ("Mr. Unicorn") tackles balladry from their own parallel dada and
scat-ridden universe. Drums & Tuba bring you angular punk with a head full
of Meters on "Lots of Luc," and the Golden Arm Trio evokes drama and tragedy
with the film score-worthy piano/double bass composition "More Sad People."
Finally, Silver Scooter cleans up with "Hearts and Skies," a sparkling, driving
piece of perfect collegiate pop. For consistency, variety and an amazingly low
price,
Cooking by Strobe Light... is far and away the most fufilling
local compilation in recent memory.
3.5 stars --
Greg Beets