Toast Office Records have accumulated quite an eclectic mix of musicians in their short time as an independent label and compiling ten of them together on a two sided tape is probably one of the best ways to showcase the best of their line up in one quick listen.

In saying quick listen, this double sided tape is actually over 73 minutes of punk, pop, electronic, folk and acoustic music all vying for your attention.

With a compilation such as this it seems difficult to review it as a whole. Two sides, one made up of pop rock and punk with an unusual mix of electronic artists, the other a complete contrast of sound and style.

Our first taste of the compilation comes in the form of newly formed Bad Bones, the musical side project of Sal Stapleton whose other band Wunderbra also feature on Side One. Bad Bones is one of the highlights of the compilation with synth heavy electronic tracks with layered vocals and a solid beat making Bad Bones one to look out for in the future.

Alongside Bad Bones the highlights of side one come in the form of pop punk wonders Kates Party and Wunderbra. The latter of which do a less than expected cover of Fleetwood Macs  ‘Everywhere’ following a very upbeat ‘Braless In Wunderland’ which will have you shouting for a tea-party along with the band.

Side two should be treated as a completely separate album with some of Toast Office Records finest quieter acoustic and folk tracks. Liza Flume introduces with her beautifully sombre voice layered over simple acoustics.

Side two continues in this relaxing open manner with originals from Connor Linnie and Stu Daly, two singer songwriters whose honest open lyrics and accessible music are for anyone, closing with a single track from Ciaran Parnell who brings up the mood with an upbeat single in ‘Colourway’, leaving you longing for more.

Compilations tend to be hit and miss, they can hold many gems or in many respects they can be riddled with mediocre undeveloped artists and tracks. Toast Office Records have succeeded in bringing together the highlights of their collective which will set you off in search of more from their artists. A nice introduction to potential up and comers who will be sure to be make themselves a large part of the Irish gig scene.

This compilation comes out on a limited set of 100 tapes (who will still be listening on this format is unknown) as well a digital download from their bandcamp. You can catch the compilation release this Saturday night in Whelans.