From pioneering obtuse, chest-rattling dubstep to creating some of the weirdest, deepest and most interesting electronic music of any age, Sam Shackleton tends to stay a step (or five) ahead of the crowd. His work as co-founder of Skull Disco was pivotal in widening the scope of mid-decade dubstep, often with panoramic results.
The emphasis on texture, colour and detailed percussion that became the label’s calling card was never better employed than on Shackleton’s now-legendary Fabric mix, Fabric 55. The hugely ambitious and expertly realised mix pointed the way forward for the now Berlin-based producer and the release of the stunning Music For The Quiet Hour LP, as well as the three Drawbar Organ EPs, prove that it was only a beginning. This year’s releases are unlike any others you’ll hear; a deep, spiritual, futuristic mix of intense sub-bass, sparse, intent percussion and ghostly, evocative melodies.
Shackleton’s last visit to Dublin, in the Twisted Pepper’s basement last summer, was a truly incredible experience, with the dark, textural elements of his music clashing beautifully with his seemingly innate understand of rhythm and the dance-floor.
Where: The Button Factory
When: Thursday, July 5th
The Damage: €14 (Tickets from www.tickets.ie/umack)
