Minimal Man was the self-explanatory moniker used by one Patrick Miller who created six albums of challenging "anti-music" across a ten year period. In much the same way as Suicide and The Pop Group, the use of the most rudimentary of instruments and production has meant that what may have seemed unlistenable and frightening twenty years ago now seems important and - to be honest - still pretty frightening. 'The Shroud Of' was Miller's first album which set out an agenda of two to three minute assaults of eerie industrial noise punctuated by Miller's shouted vocals; spouting lyrics of political and personal anguish. Yet Miller also created a suggestive tension by leaving room for sparse atmospheres not a million miles away from Gary Numan's 'Down In The Park'. The effect of tracks like 'Two People' is undeniably spine-tingling and by 'Now I Want It All' something close to a tune is suggested. Amongst the bonus tracks lies the double-A side 'Two Little Skeletons/Tired Death'; the first an excellent post-punk record, the second sees a foray into unsettling country rock. As compelling as it is disturbing, the shock tactics used on this record are skilfully deployed, putting today's "provocative" acts firmly in their place.