Although most of the music on Periscope isn"t confrontational, the artists" lyrics are often in-your-face. Bands like Mukilteo Fairies, Fitz of Depression and Copass Grinderz go right for the throat, while Tattle Tale, Cub, Go Sailor, The Crabs and several of the other groups find themselves more in line with the emotion-laden, minimal pop of the Olympia, Washington, scene well represented on this disc. Hell, there"s even a Beck song on here! But for the most part, Periscope is a good companion piece to Kill Rock Stars" series of compilations because it showcases many of the same bands as well as others with a similar musical ethic that the label has perhaps overlooked. --Adem Tepedelen