Various

The underground rock scene of Ottawa has always been overlooked, perhaps for good reason. Much like a small market sports team, quality prospects have mostly been snatched up by the major markets (i.e., Montreal, Toronto), shipped out and discovered post-exodus. Although the Acorn and Jim Bryson have found success commuting their sound across the 401, 613 Records' Out of Ottawa compilation strives to shed some light on this fertile and wildly eclectic faction. Anchored by CBC Radio 3 favs, the infectiously dancey triptych of Hilotrons, Boycrusher and Brad Sucks, Out of Ottawa gives listeners a good overview of the Capital's brightest stay-putters. Although newcomers like early Matador Records throwbacks the Fays, dynamic proto-punkers Garaga and (especially) microhouse dark waver Isothermal work as highlights, there's, unfortunately, way too many artists on Out of Ottawa who are simply not yet primed, practiced or primped for primetime.