Various: The Hill Is Alive

By RUSSELL BAILLIE

(Herald rating: * * *)

Subtitled Arch Hill Recordings Compilation 2, this is a mop-up from the ever-industrious Auckland label which specialises in rock that's indie and intimate in nature.

The 15 tracks feature acts established (Pine, Fang, Mestar, David Mulcahy, Minisnap) and new-ish (Gasoline Cowboy, The Pencils, Salon Kingsadore, among others). Of the new crew, Gasoline Cowboy impress the most with their dreamy two tracks I Hear You Call My Name and Philosophies. But the whole album sounds a worthwhile and cohesive affair as it mopes along from one gorgeously glum tune to another.

Label: Arch Hill Recordings