Titled Sickest Smashes from Arson City, the compilation was put together by Joe Sampson, Melted Ice Cream's founder and a Christchurch musician. Playing guitar in Flying Nun signing T54, Sampson also features numerous times on Sickest Smashes in a variety of different bands.
''It's less of a label, more of a way to consolidate my favourite Christchurch music for easy accessibility to outsiders,'' Sampson recently said.
''I've always felt a bit left out of the New Zealand music buzz being from the South Island - many others feel the same. I'd like recognition that we have some sensational stuff down here that doesn't get the attention it deserves.''
As well as releasing Sickest Smashes, Melted Ice Cream have released a series of cassette tape albums from associated acts The Dance Asthmatics, BnP, and Sampson's own Salad Boys. Hand-dubbed by the band members, Sampson says tapes are more valued than the slightly more traditional CD-R format.
''Tapes are a real pain though,'' he said.
''They're about as reliable as an emotionally unstable teenager and they're real time consuming to dub, but people really like them at the moment because they're zesty and retro.''
Sickest Smashes from Arson City can be downloaded via meltedicecream.bandcamp.com/ and features artwork from local Dunedin legend Glen Ross.
Four bands featured on the compilation perform at Queens tonight.
The Otago University Students Association and Radio One are bringing Battle of the Bands back for its 25th year. Since 1988, the battle has nurtured and exposed the best of Dunedin music.
This year, the winning band walks away with a professional music video shot and produced by Moi Moi Productions, $400 cash from OUSA, recording time in the Albany St Studio thanks to the Otago University Music Department, a Radio One advertising campaign, and their own branded gear from Konstruct Clothing. Heats run each Friday until May 25, when the final eight bands compete for the prize.
Past winners have included A Distant City, which released the EP Alpaca Suitcase last year (adistantcity.bandcamp.com/), and Mr. Biscuits, which finally released its self-titled debut album this week. It is available via mrbiscuitsmrbiscuits. bandcamp.com.
Catch them
Melted Ice Cream presents the Sickest Smashes from Arson City Dunedin release show, featuring Ipswich, Log Horn Breed, X-Ray Charles, Shacklock Meth Party and Salad Boys, tonight at Queens Bar (Formerly the National, Queens Gardens).
The battle beginsOUSA Battle of the Bands heats every Friday during May. Final May 25 at Re:Fuel. $2 entry for the heats, $5 for the final.
