Projekt200 is a sampler of the label's musical offerings in celebration of Projekt's 200th release.  The set spans three discs that neatly divide the songs into the categories of "The Early Years," "The Current Era," and a special "Ambient Loop" of the label's more soundscape-oriented artists.  Projekt200 does a fine job of showcasing what the label is all about; while the focus of the compilation is on sophisticated ethereal and shoegaze (Black Tape for a Blue Girl, Lycia, Mira, Tearwave) with a side order of medieval and orientalist dirge (Unto Ashes, Rajna), unexpected and original acts like Voltaire, Android Lust, and Attrition crop up to remind you that, rather than focusing on a specific style, the intent at Projekt has always been to release the most interesting music.  My only complaint about the set is that a few of the tracks (particularly Attrition's "A Girl Called Harmony" and Mors Syphilitica's "My Virgin Widows") are heavily-anthologized.  It would have been nice to see something a little more out-of-the-ordinary, instead of the songs that tend to pop up on samplers and comps.  Even so, Projekt200 is a lovely package complete with interesting and unreleased tracks so it is sure to offer something worthwhile to both newcomers and Projekt fans alike.

One of the songs that really stuck out for me on Projekt200 was Love Spirals Downwards's "Write in Water."  Upon giving it a few listens I came to the conclusion that I needed more Love Spirals Downwards in my life.  Perhaps someone at Projekt was reading my mind, because a few months later the label reissued the group's first two albums, Ardor and Idylls.  Both feature lush, ethereal arrangements of guitar, keyboards, and programming from multi-instrumentalist Ryan Lum and the all-encompassing, heavenly vocals of Suzanne Perry.  While both albums work the same style, each has its own unique flavor; as such, it's impossible to pick a favorite between them.  Beautifully remastered and laden with bonus tracks, Idylls and Ardor are essential additions to your rainy day musical rotation.