Oak Apple Records brings a sampler of alternative quirky bands for your listening pleasure.

Title: Fresh Fruit Volume 2
Artist: Various Artists
Label: Oak Apple Records
Time: 12 tracks/48:50 min.

Fresh Fruit Volume 2 is a compilation album from Oak Apple Records, consisting of mostly eclectic/alternative/indie bands. I decided to check out this compilation based on the inclusion of A Troop of Echoes – an instrumental rock band with a saxophone in place of lead vocals. Their track does not disappoint. Most of the other bands fit in with A Troop of Echoes fine, with a few stand out tracks. Mad Rataplan brings another instrumental with trippy, quirky space rock. Blunt Force Charm delivers a driving, garage-rockish tune with smoother vocals than you usually hear in that genre. Uncle Zygote grabs you with deep vocals, a nice laid-back groove, and random fun break-downs. The tune by DJ Sizlack seems most out of place, but actually doesn’t annoy me like many DJ “songs” do.  The overall vibe of this album is quirky, out of the box alternative music. If that description fits your likes, you might want to give this disc a listen to see if you will find any new bands to check out.

By Matt Crosslin (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) (May 24, 2012)