The first track took me straight back to my year 7 drama class, where we were all trying to look cool while doing freeze frames and delivering our intense spoken word pieces on why drugs are bad. It feels very unorganised and quickly put together. Saying this, though, it’s not an unenjoyable track. The bond between both vocalists is great to hear, I particularly love the bit when one of them makes the other laugh and you can hear him singing through the laughter, it’s heart-warming and emphasises the reason why this album was made, to help each other and bring a marginalised community together.

I must admit, I was a little bit sceptical when hearing the opening track because usually it sets the tone for the rest of the album. However, the second track, ‘Burn me’ by alternative post punk duo Salt, is completely different. It starts with a stripped-back acoustic sound and is later joined by electric guitars; the energy of this track is there.

‘Big Moon’ by Dust from 1000 years ago, reminds me of ‘Piano Man’ by Billy Joel, it blends soft acoustic elements with gentle, distorted vocals, creating a deeply introspective and intimate mood. The song feels meditative and nocturnal, like a quiet walk under a full moon, definitely a standout track of the album.

‘Tepid Water Soap (demo)’ by Fraternal Twins exudes a hazy, lo-fi intimacy — like something recorded late at night in a dim bedroom, where the mic picks up not just the voice and guitar but the surrounding silence. The vocals are soft, almost whispered, sitting low in the mix and drenched in reverb, which gives the lyrics a dreamlike, ghostly quality. It’s vulnerable and slightly fragile, like a memory just out of reach.

The album features a wide genre of music, rock, pop, indie and dance, to name a few. Stand out tracks include ‘Cut Fruit (Live in Montreal)’ by Remember Sports, ‘My place’ by Léna Bartels, Eleanor Elektra with ‘The Word’ and ‘World’s Biggest Ashtray (Demo)’ by Strong Fenn.

Overall, this album is versatile, fluid, and there is something for everyone. Of course, the music is important, but I wouldn’t be doing it justice if I didn’t talk about the amazing reason for the album. True Names: (Benefit Comp) is a compilation album released by Queens-based indie label Worry Bead Records. This project brings together artists from Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and beyond, featuring unreleased B-sides, demos, and live cuts from acts like Remember Sports, Squirrel Flower, 2nd Grade, 22° Halo, and Pink Navel. The album aims to raise funds for the Trans Youth Emergency Project (TYEP), which assists families of transgender youth in accessing gender-affirming care by providing logistical and financial support.

The title ‘True Names’ draws inspiration from Ursula K. Le Guin’s Earthsea series, where knowing one’s true name is an act of profound vulnerability and empowerment. This theme resonates with the album’s purpose, highlighting the courage of trans youth and their families in the face of increasing legislative challenges across the United States.

Proceeds from the album support TYEP’s mission to help families navigate complex healthcare systems, offering emergency grants and personalized assistance to ensure access to necessary medical care.

Various Artists: True Names – 2 May 2025 (Worry Bead Records)

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