V.A. – Kontingent I
Bulgaria's Kontingent Records are back with an impressively coherent and homogeneous release for a compilation
The last time I remember seeing Kontingent Records around was sometime in the 2000s, mostly releasing stuff by Bulgarian alternative band KPD-0. Now it seems they’re back. Run by Ivan Shentov himself (krāllār, Ънален Диспут, and former KPD-0 mastermind), the label has taken on a new mission: promoting even more alternative forms of music and sound.
Their first release didn’t take long to arrive. Just days ago, we got a collaboration between krāllār and metek called [haunted]. Today, however, saw the release of a much bigger and more ambitious project: their first digital compilation.
Kontingent I presents work by 17 projects from around the globe: Sweden, Türkiye, Belgium, France, the USA, Poland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Bulgaria, and the UK. To be honest, I’ve drastically cut back on compilations lately. They often lack exclusive material or a strong unifying concept, and the sheer amount of stuff published on Bandcamp is, let’s say, overwhelming. This one I didn’t miss, though, and it’s pretty much perfect.
Throughout the tracklist, we’re gradually exposed to different approaches and atmospheres as the intensity builds and things get darker. The release starts with lighter, more drone- and ambient-based works, including amazing unreleased pieces by deffektegg, Jeff Stonehouse (ex-Listening Mirror), Zeleia, and LUX KABLAGE.
Halfway through, things get harsher, perhaps starting with the abrasive soundscapes of Stase:Orgone’s “Ci-Git le Placenta,” followed by see through buildings’ devastating “hell is boiling” and krāllār’s chainsaw-worshipping piece “Soil.” From there, you’ll find yourself blasted with more and more distortion until Cogwheel Crack, one of the compilation’s best appearances, and Nihilistic Front wrap this shit up with dirty Bulgarian harsh noise.
Yeah, as with any compilation, there will probably be tracks you don’t like so much and others you love, and you’ll certainly discover some new names. It’s great that Kontingent Records have curated something so coherent and powerful with such a large roster of contributing artists!
