V Festival has been vying with the Big Day Out for summer festival supremacy in recent years, and ‘V Festival Presents’, a compilation showcasing the top acts from 2007 to 2009, shows that it has the pulling power to bring some big names to our shores and give the BDO a run for its money.

Some of the brightest stars currently burning in the indie firmament appear on this 16-track disc, which crosses a variety of styles and eras, and all contributing artists are notable names in their respective universes.

The compilation starts with the current crop of indie rock leviathans; The Killers, Snow Patrol, Modest Mouse and Kaiser Chiefs, featuring high-rotation tracks that only those who have lived sans-radio for the past few years would not be aware of.

Some classy electronica gets a run too, with the likes of Groove Armada and the truly incomparable AIR, adding their magic, mellow touch and bringing a different aesthetic to the project.

A few old timers even get a look in, with some classic Jesus and Mary Chain (from their younger, slimmer days), and 1980’s darlings, Duran Duran and Pet Shop Boys, adding depth and cross-generational appeal to the collection.

Overall, this compilation is a quality review of the big names in the alt-indie music universe over the past decade. Its strength is that it casts a wide net and is not too heavily focused on any particular style or genre. As a party CD or a good mix-up when you want a bit of variety, ‘V Festival Presents’ is a solid choice.

V Festival Presents is out now on Universal

Copyright : MTV Australia