Recently, there has been a resurgence of loud rock in the Pacific Northwest. Scenes that were once considered dormant have sprung to life, inundating their regions with all types of loud sounds. This cuts across all genres of loud rock, so you will find, metal, hardcore, punk and noise rock, among others, included in the action.

This compilation, which is a download (and a t-shirt, which cleverly has the front and back “cover art” printed on it, and the liner notes printed inside), helps to document a whole bunch of Seattle‘s and the Pacific Northwest’s next generation of noise makers. It is being presented by the Cha Cha Lounge with AVR Music and Good To Die Records. While it includes a bunch of their bands, it also includes a whole additional slew of regional acts ready to take on the world.

First, the Good To Die bands make a strong showing. Sandrider opens the comp with “Dogwater,” which finds them in an aggro mood and sets the tone for what is to follow. Deadkill lead an aggressive two-minute charge in “Grave Matters,” while Monogamy Party, who have recently broken up, lend an angry scree entitled “I Don’t Like You.” Constant Lovers keep it aggressively weird with “A Lullaby” in their own special way.

But once you go beyond these bands, you’ll hear a whole bunch of excellent sounds that are worth your time, pushing this comp into crucial territory.

Crypts’ “Carnivore” is some of the most pissed off and creepy, synth-laden punk you are likely to hear all year. Dust Moth play some loud shoegaze with “Handles,” while Glose’s “Thirsty Nurse” is aggressive and rocks hard. “Woof” by Murmurs indulges in some Motorhead-esque , dirty, and punk rock-influenced metal. Blood Drugs “Lowest” is noisy and angular, as the band comes off as a burlier and angrier version of Wire. Theories, who have just completed a string of East Coast dates with Black Breath, bring the power-violence on their track “Petrifaction,” which goes fast, slow, punishing, and everywhere in between, finishing the comp in high style.

This compilation is an excellent introduction to a regional scene that is ready to make waves outside of the Pacific Northwest. You are likely to find a new favorite band among the ones on display here.

(Good To Die Records, PO Box 70251, Seattle, WA 98127)