So, let me get this straight: this is a label sampler for Hopeless Records (I thought it was for two labels, but it turns out I was wrong. More on that later). Moreover, it functions as both the Winter and the Spring sampler for said label. Oh, and it consists of three frigging tracks. Is it possible that this label could only find three tracks that they thought would represent their stable of artists? Could there possibly be another explanation? I consulted their website, which assures readers that the label is focusing on quality rather than quantity. That's all well and good, but couldn't they at least have included more tracks by the three bands represented? This seems more like a tease than a sampler.

Anyway, I guess we should go over said tracks individually, because Lord knows, we don't have to make any sweeping generalizations. First off we have Thrice, with "Betrayal Is A Symptom": a good, solid, minor-chord Cali-punk bassline/drum intro, then into the screaming. The verse is throatily (and largely indecipherably) yelled, while the chorus is sung in close harmony. This is a great, soaring, anthemic punk rock track. Avenged Sevenfold's "Darkness Surrounding" is far more hardcore, though it also features some rather pretty backing vocals on the verses. The lead singer's voice makes me cringe for his otolaryngologist, but the power-chordery and speed are present and accounted for, and the track's comparatively heroic (for the genre) five-minute length means the musicians have a bit more opportunity to show off their chops than usual. Selby Tigers' "Dolph Indicator" is loud and in-your-face, but in its present company it might as well be Hootie and the Blowfish. The female vocals recall Kim Gordon at her most strident, while the Dead Milkmenish male vocal forms a nice counterpoint. It features a great new-wave organ, handclaps, and all of the other bells and whistles that make a memorable single.

I suppose I should mention that Hopeless/Sub City donates five percent of its profits to various charities, which gives the concerned punk rocker a good reason to make this purchase. I just wish the label wasn't so stingy with its sampler offerings.