Various Artists – The Tolbooth Sessions 2011

Bono and Lars Ulrich no doubt remain unimpressed with the impact of new patterns of music consumption on their LP sales; for new bands, however, the heightened exposure that the internet provides is invaluable. Compilations like The Tolbooth Sessions are a case in point: ten unsigned bands from the central belt were individually paired with seasoned players such as Rod Jones (Idlewild) and Simon Ward (Errors) to produce a track at the eponymous studio, and the results can be streamed online – or ordered on a free CD.

It's a mixed bag, providing a snapshot of a strikingly diverse local scene. Notable contributions come from Hey Enemy, whose lurching rhythms and cheesegrater guitars here sound like Pavement reimagined by the Birthday Party; and Teklo featuring Charlotte Riley, who offers Scream, Retreat – an infectious dubstep wobbler, as inspired as anything on the recent Magnetic Man LP. There are always worthwhile nooks of Scottish bands outwith the media's gaze, but The Tolbooth Sessions is a fine way to attract it. [Sam Wiseman]