In response to the ever worsening fascist climate our nation has slumped its way into, Seawind of Battery and Centripetal Force, one of today’s best esoteric underground labels, put out the call to artists last week for contributions to a benefit compilation titled The Perilous Fight. They were absolutely flooded with replies, with over 70 artists donating music to the cause within just a few days.

The idea behind this compilation clearly struck a nerve and answered a need within our eclectic music community. So much so, that the benefit album has grown into a three-volume digital release, with the first installment, The Perilous Fight – Vol. 1: Justice for All, being put out today on both Seawind and CF’s Bandcamp pages.

All proceeds from the album will be donated directly to the National Immigrant Justice Center, to support critical legal and humanitarian work for immigrants facing detention, deportation, and systemic injustice. To quote the press release, this benefit record “is a collective statement of solidarity—a response to the escalating rhetoric, intimidation, and violence shaping daily life in communities across the country. The contributors are everyday Americans using music to speak out against cruelty, authoritarianism, and the atmosphere of fear fostered by the current administration. This first volume represents a collective gesture of care, resistance, and tangible support.”

With contributions by so many RCU regulars and favorites, like Tarotplane, SUSS, Tacoma Park, Ernie Francestine, Drew Gardner, J.M. Hart, Elijah McLaughlin, David Bales, SOMA and several others, this album is more than just a great fundraiser, it’s also a stellar and cathartic listen, too. Get your copy today (especially since it’s Bandcamp Friday!)

-KH