Much in the same vein, Reaching Out is a $7 compilation of 22 Oklahoma artists available on Bandcamp, with all proceeds going directly to the American Red Cross tornado-relief fund.
The music itself could easily be overlooked with an undertaking this significant, yet the diverse cast of musicians is more than enough to satisfy. Songs range from quieter, heartfelt ballads (Defining Times’ “Outlaw,” Stewart Whitmarsh’s “I Feel Like a Bad Place”) to the powerful and life-affirming (Tallows’ “Small Talk”). There are even some murkier electronic moments sprinkled in, with Norman upstarts Economy and Eureeka offering strong selections alongside Daniel Huffman’s New Fumes and Bird Flower projects.
That said, Reaching Out’s genre-hopping never impedes its flow. It’s a largely inviting listen, and the conglomeration of sounds serves not only as an introduction to a bevy of talented artists but an engaging collection of songs that typify the neighborly inclusiveness displayed by so many in the storm’s aftermath.
And with this variety comes a common, heartfelt purpose that is palpable throughout each track. For music fans seeking an opportunity to help a community in need, it’s hard to imagine $7 better spent.
Download the album at reachingout.bandcamp.com. —Zach Hale
Hey! Read This:
• Defining Times at SXSW 2013
• Eureeka’s Polysynthetic Fields album review
• Moore will be more: Dispatches from the May 20 tornado
• Tallows at SXSW 2013
This article appears in May 29 – Jun 4, 2013.