Skampler: An Introduction to the World of Skam
Wilson Smith | 02/03/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Skampler compilation singles out material off Skam, the underground Manchester-based experimental i.d.m. label. It features more of its well-known artists, vis-à-vis its other compilation album released in the same year (1997), Skam Records Presents: 0161; which is for the most part comprised of more obscure artists (most of whom appear to be unsigned) associated with the label. This album patently conveys the factors that make i.d.m. such a compelling genre. Aural architecture: jarring sounds given form. Since there doesn't appear to be a picture of the jewel case hosted (it's not too conducive to photography), I'll attempt to verbally describe it. It's completely jet-black (i.e. opaque) and its front reads "Skampler" in Braille and underneath, in what appears to be small strands of tape-like embossments again construct the title given to the compilation. Besides the compact disc, its only content is a double-sided insert which contains a dearth of information (essentially just the artists and track titles). Skam records is run by Andy Maddocks and Jed O'Hara; Lego Feet and Gescom (Geshalt Communications) are Autechre incarnations, although the latter consists of around 20 on/off members and Sean Booth and Rob Brown aren't always part of its make-up; Bola is the work of Darrell Fitton; Simon Pyke is Freeform; Mastered by Darrell Fitton. Like anything, take the aforementioned attributers with a pinch of salt, although I'm relatively sure they're reliable.Track listing. 01 Lego Feet - Leaves On The Line
02 Boards Of Canada - Hi Scores
03 Jega - Norton Midgate
04 Bola - Forcasa3
05 Gescom - Mag Ae Remix
06 Freeform - Refane
07 Lego Feet - Northwest Water
08 Jega - Phlax
09 Freeform - Many
10 Lego Feet - Keyop
11 Bola - Cobalt
12 Gescom - Keynell1
13 Boards Of Canada - Everything You Do Is A Balloon
14 Gescom - Stoop [Hidden Track]
15 Jega - Tamad [Hidden Track]..."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1