Rough Trade Shops Counter Culture 18 is a compilation album featuring various artists, and it is an excellent representation of the current underground music scene. The album features a diverse range of genres, including punk, post-punk, indie, and electronic music, making it an enjoyable listen for anyone who appreciates non-mainstream music.
The album starts with a bang with the track "The Future of the Left" by The Fall, setting the tone for the rest of the album. Other standout tracks include "Can't Get Enough of Your Love" by The Mystery Lights, "Cruel Optimism" by Lawrence English, and "Chemical Process" by Miya Folick.
One of the strengths of this album is its ability to showcase lesser-known artists alongside more established ones. The inclusion of tracks by emerging artists such as Squid, Black Country, New Road, and Dry Cleaning highlights the importance of supporting new talent in the music industry.