Soundboy Punishments

Skull Disco's reputation as an innovative and boundary-pushing record label seems to be ever growing, while Shackleton and Appleblim's reputation as two dubhead mavericks single-mindedly following the path seldom traveled and being far the more interesting as a result is already well-formed by those in the know. As both producers seem to be on the verge of greater popularity, Shackleton's unique percussive sound-winning plaudits from the likes of Ricardo Villalobos, Radio Slave and Kode 9, who have all put Shackleton releases in their sets while Appleblim's bass line fury has been unleashed on many a dancefloor, including the legendary Forward Club, with devastating results. Now seems to be the ideal time for releasing a document of the first releases.

From the tender, melancholy chords of Shackleton's 'Blood On My Hands,' through to Appleblim's brutal riffage on 'Fear,' this is music that defies easy categorization. On the one hand, huge, swooping basslines and explosive snares, on the other, delicate percussion and tripped-out melodies. Appleblim and Shackleton's styles not only contrast with each other, but are diverse within their own individual domains, never stuck on an idea, always looking how to reach the next level of invention. So here we have it, on the first disc, the collection of the first five releases on Skull Disco, each standing out from its peers with its idiosyncratic nature and bloody minded refusal to follow the crowd. The second CD, a collection of the more eclectic, unreleased, or non-Skull releases, including the eagerly-anticipated Ricardo Villalobos remix of Shackleton's 'Blood On My Hands,' the Mordant Music and Hot Flush releases, and a couple of unreleased beasts from each producer. This is as comprehensive as it gets.