After 20 years, Skream! is Still a Dubstep Staple

Skream’s self-titled debut album is now available on triple vinyl and CD to celebrate its 20th anniversary. When Skream‘s self-titled debut arrived on October 30, 2006, dubstep was still finding its place beyond South London’s underground scene. After 20 years, Skream! remains a defining project of the genre’s early evolution. Some would say it helped move dubstep into wider electronic music conversations without losing sight of what made the genre special in the first place: experimentation and heavy bass. At the time, Oliver Jones, recognized as Skream, was part of a tight community of producers and DJs shaping a new sound from the foundations of UK garage, dub, grime, and jungle. Having worked at Croydon’s influential Big Apple Records, the producer was surrounded people pushing the movement forward. This influenced his productions, which fused gritty basslines, skittering percussion, and eerie synths. They demanded a reaction from subwoofers. A major part of the album’s staying power is its range. “Midnight Request Line,” originally released as a single in 2005 ahead of the album, is an essential starting point. Its rolling bassline, crisp percussion, and instantly recognizable...