Album Review: House of Gain Records – No Clutter (House of Gain Records)

Those of a certain age will be very familiar with the humble mix tape. Way before digital music and streaming services, a cassette tape was all anyone needed and a fantastic way to share music with like-minded listeners. This thinking has inspired new label House of Gain Records to release their own ‘mixed tape’ inspired compilation called ‘No Clutter’ and featuring some of the finest bands and cuts from across the Southeast of the UK.

They don’t make ‘em like this anymore, that’s for sure, but while nostalgia might have inspired this compilation, the bands it showcases are as relevant as ever. From punk, to noise rock, to garage rock, electro pop, math sludge, and industrial, the compilation offers a thrilling insight into a particular corner of the UK.

Every band gets two tracks, one per side, and it is the garage-infused noise rock sound of Tarmac that begins this record off. First, there’s the lively DAYS/DAZE, which has a certain amount of catchiness to it. Then, later, there’s the obnoxious sound of Konnichiwa, a track that epitomises the noise rock scene with serious enthusiasm.

Fancy something more intense and chaotic? The mighty Dead Mammals have exactly what you need with the short and sharp ugliness of Waste of a Day. Before Flag shows off more creative flair, while being manic and weird, as per usual.

How about The Missing Persons List’s tracks, Broke and GWIL? Both are ugly and raw punk efforts that conjure up scuzzy underground venues stinking of stale beer and piss. Then there’s Gutburg’s Are you ok Jim? and Pests, a pair of inventive tracks that can be summed up as fuzzed out wackiness with direct vocal statements.

There’s no shortage of weirdness with Sonic Hawkins either, but this band lets pop sensibilities drive their rocking sound, resulting in a pair of memorable listens called Reanimate and Nude Music. Two of the catchier tracks overall. The complete opposite to Gorgons’ earnest noise crossed with punk that is showcased with aplomb on Leather Gloves and Shaker on my Shoe. Credit where credit is due, on a compilation of unique acts, they stand out as the most unique of all.

Rounding off the very enjoyable experience? It’s Traps, and they almost take Gorgons’ crown with a ten-plus minute slice of eccentric noise called Easy Boss. A track that can be summed up as fascinating aural discomfort. This, alongside the heavy hysterics of Punching Judy, confirms that not only does the Southeast scene kick all kinds of ass, but House of Gain Records has its finger right on the bloody pulse of what’s hot in it.

House of Gain Records – No Clutter Track Listing:

1. Tarmac – DAYS/DAZE
2. Dead Mammals – Waste of a Day
3. The Missing Persons List – Broke
4. Gutbug – Are You ok Jim?
5. Sonic Hawkins – Reanimate
6. Gorgons – Leather Gloves
7. Traps – Easy Boss
8. Gorgons – Shaker on my Shoe
9. Gutbug – Pests
10. Tarmac – Konnichiwa
11. Sonic Hawkins – Nude Music
12. Dead Mammals – Flag
13. The Missing Persons List – GWIL
14. Traps – Punching Judy

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