Cold Spring's samplers are a perfect way to introduce listeners to new artists while still providing the comfort of well-known acts, even though times have changed dramatically since the introduction of CDs. Although one can sample pretty much any artist with the click of a button, there is something more to be had with a sampler CD, especially if this is purchased in person. Outside of just giving someone a quick look at an artist's sound, it also brings the label's artists together in solidarity, showing that they're all fighting for the same sonic cause. But deeper than this, the choice of and arrangement of the tracks allows the sampler to exist on its own, becoming more of a soundtrack than a sampler, and Arise is no exception. 

 

Arise features some huge industrial/experimental names that need no introduction (Merzbow, Coil, SPK, Mz. 412), plenty of CSR heavy hitters (Khost, Common Eider, King Eider, Tunnels of Ah, among others), as well as some of the newer acts to this legendary label (She Spread Sorrow, 400 Lonely Things, Himukalt, to name a few). In addition to this, Arise shows off some fantastic soundtrack work from the likes of Frank Hall, George Fenton, Oleg Karpachev, and Kristian Eidnes Andersen. Cold Spring has been releasing gorgeous, dark soundscapes for ages, so it's only fitting that they get into the soundtrack game as well. It's a perfect match. The sampler itself is very well put together and flows wonderfully, almost as if it were an album all its own. Playing more towards the dark, droning, and slower moving, excellent additions of noisy tumult burst to the surface, like a flower bursting through a light snow cover to catch the warming, life-giving rays of the morning sun. And even with all of this going on, CSR manages to introduce an old, unheard artist to a new audience, We Be Echo. 

While sampler CDs and compilations are often just easy ways for labels to bash out a few releases, Cold Spring puts the time and effort into choosing and arranging the right tracks so that everything fits and feels as one. Common tones, vibes, and rhythms coalesce into a greater whole, bringing artists together in unexpected ways. And, with thirty-two tracks, it's a harder task than one could imagine. But because of this effort, Arise shines as a wonderful testament to a fantastic and vibrant label. Plus, at the price, one really can't overlook this release.