Holocene Music’s debut, remix compilation its importland to me to be one step further than one step beyond, correctly fingers the pulse of Stumptown’s ever-evolving music scene. The disc pairs local bands ranging from the conventional pop rock of The Thermals and the erratic thrashings of Hustler White with electronic remixes by local DJs and experimental artists. The result, although likely unfamiliar to those outside the Portland area, serves listeners with a vibrant and diverse slice of local culture.

True to the title, the album’s varied sound exemplifies the progressive art of Portland’s twenty-something crowd. For example, not only do local legends Talkdemonic contribute to the roster of artists with songs on the album, but they also provide a soothing electronic spin on Menomena as well. Copy, a Holocene darling, ups the ante with a funky, undeniably danceable spin on The Kingdom. Each track seems like a compliment to its original version — preserving the integrity of each song but taking an often courageous leap with its electronic transformation. Juxtaposed with each other, the songs are wide-ranging in style and suit most listeners’ range of taste.

It could be argued that the cover art and frequent bursts of electroclash throughout the sixteen tracks ooze with cliché hipster conventions that appear to dominate every sidewalk in Southeast. However, the unlikely mixes of hippie-inspired jam music with ambient electronic beats or slow and sensual vocals with scratches and club-style bass elevate the compilation beyond the stereotypical and into the evolving future of Portland’s art world.

The album’s title truly encompasses its kaleidoscope of sounds, ones that are truly reaching past “beyond” and into the next era of Portland music, thus painting a striking portrait of Holocene releases yet to come.

- Meredith Frengs
KPSU Editorial Team