Shockout (Shockout, 2004)

*GUEST REVIEW*
Tigerbeat 6 have a reputation for releasing extreme music and breaking artists that few other labels would touch.  Think of something similar to Planet Mu or Rephlex or an electronic version of Ipecac.  Shockout is a Tigerbeat 6 imprint that releases limited edition singles that have a reggae or dancehall flavour.  This compilation gathers the first few releases on the label.  Artists represented here include DJ Rupture, Kid 606, The Bug, and Rootsman, and vocalist Wayne Lonesome is featured on no less than nine tracks.  The vocals are not quite as harsh as some tracks on Pressure by The Bug.  However the digi-dub, jungle, and ragga on here makes a nice change to mainstream riddim-obsessed bashment.  Shockout is a great introduction for Tigerbeat 6 virgins but may disappoint extreme noise dancehall fans who may find some of the tracks a little too funky and mellow.  The beauty of this compilation is that it 's impossible to work out where the beats will go next.

- ragudave