In an ideal world every label would describe themselves as "Fiercely independent" with a music policy that promises "forward thinking bands and artists whose music is challenging, unpredictable, and highly eventful." A brave claim but we've heard their debut release, a compilation entitled 'Useless in Bed' (released this week: Mon 10th Feb 2003) is all that they promised. Weird in places. Noizey genius in others. It's a great introduction to the (UK) underground scene, the revolution, whatever the fuck you wanna call it, that's going on RIGHT NOW!

Here's the tracklisting...

1. Miss Helsinki – I Felt Your Arms Round Me
2. fOE – Triangulator
3. Lapsus Linguae – Olestra (there’s only one drinking fountain in heaven)
4. American Heritage – Phil Collins
5. Desmotabs – Gaseous Exchange At The Alveoli
6. Guapo – Pharaoh
7. Cheval De Frise – Chiendents
8. Stars In Battledress – Sand (blowing about)
9. The Monsoon Bassoon – Stag
10. Max Tundra – Life In A Lift Shaft
11. Ursa – The Blooding
12. Sweep The Leg Johnny – Only In A Rerun
13. Defeat The Young – I’m Ruining Something
14. Geiger Counter – Drink Your Milk

To launch this compilation, tomorrow night (12th February) @ The Camden Underworld, there will be a live feast of NØUGHT, fOE, Lapsus Linguae, and Defeat The Young, as well Max Tundra Djing. And then, a second launch, on 17th February @ the Arts Café (east end, london) with William D. Drake, Cheval De Frise, Stars In Battledress and Miss Helsinki.

House of Stairs already have releases planned, which includes albums by fOE, Stars In Battledress, Knife World, Art of Burning Water, The Monsoon Bassoon and Defeat The Young.

For real player samples and more info visit houseofstairs.co.uk

DiScuss: Have you slept with any of these bands.. are the rumours true? Is the DIY scene and the music scene as a whole alive and well right now?