“Can I have some noise for the Skream?” says the MC on ‘Blue Eyes’. That’s not a problem as Skream’s debut is something worth making a noise about — it’s further evidence that dubstep is no one-week trend.

‘Tortured Soul’ is a typical dubstep but it’s not all like this. Skream has said he was looking to produce tracks that have a bit more to them than just the dark moody headnodder beat associated with the scene.

‘Dubbers Anonymous’ is quite jokey using a “Hello, my Name Is Oliver and I’m an duboholic,” catch-phrase, ‘Blue Eyez’ is a dubstep take on ska which is quite circus-like and the last one, Digital Mystikz’ remix of ‘Midnight Request Line’ has a touch of old computer games to it.

Somewhere between the two extremes is the jazzy flute and bass throb of ‘Rutten’, ‘Colourful’, the lively opener ‘Stagger’.

On the Hectic pet subject of album covers, I love his stare as he stands awkwardly next to the coat rail (one for Art Vinyl — see links below). Definitely a worthy companion to the other must-have dubstep album, Warrior Dubz.

Reviewed: Skream — Skream! (Tempa) Cat. No TEMPALP 008 Format: 3 x Vinyl, 12” Release dare: November 2006

Tracklisting:
A Stagger
B1 Blue Eyez
B2 Tortured Soul
C Kut-Off
D1 Rutten
D2 Colourful
E Check-It (Instrumental)
F1 Dubbers Anonymous
F2 Midnight Request Line (Digital Mystikz Remix)

Links:
www.tempa.co.uk
www.artvinyl.com