Various Artists // Ghost Ship Love Letters

Various Artists

Ghost Ship Love Letters

Onomastic Records

4/5 stars

It's experimental music for a good cause. Spearheaded by onewayness' Adam Holquist, the electroFLUX Experimental Music Series has helped foster some of the best and most wildly creative music in the region. On Dec. 2, 2016, a fire at the Ghost Ship, a DIY experimental music venue in Oakland, California tragically took the lives of 36 victims. The nation mourned for this terrible loss, and the worldwide community of likeminded musicians was forever moved. As a small and noble token of esteem, electroFLUX has assembled this monumental collection of local soundmakers, with all proceeds going to the Fire Relief, Recovery, and Resiliency Fund. Featuring 39 different artists, Ghost Ship Love Letters clocks in at nearly three hours. This compilation consists primarily of local artists, and is an utterly fantastic introduction to an often overlooked side of Erie music. With a majority of instrumental tracks, it's easy to lose yourself in the soundscapes showcased here, ranging from shoegaze to ambient to hip hop. It's available on onomastic.bandcamp.com; check it out to discover new sonic realms of charity.

 – Nick Warren