Although not too well known for their record sales (only one track managed to break into the charts and then only at no. 54) Shriekback can claim to be an important influence in the formation of British electronic music. This collection, made up largely of the 'A' and 'B' sides of 7 and 12 inchers, seems to follow on from Cabaret Voltaire's work on the Sheffield scene in the late 70's and early 80's. The band was a kind of alternative supergroup featuring Barry Andrews of XTC fame and ex-Gang Of Four bassist Dave Allen who brought in art-rock individulaity and funk respectively. Highlights are undoubtedly 'My Spine Is The Bassline' and 'Madness Into Method' which are both groovesome, quirky and danceable. Naturally some of the work has dated somewhat; particularly the over-use of handclaps and the remixes don't offer much over the originals but whilst the similarly-styled Heaven 17 sold more records, Shriekback provided a maverick antidote to their commercialism.
Although not too well known for their record sales (only one track managed to break into the charts and then only at no. 54) Shriekback can claim to be an important influence in the formation of British electronic music. This collection, made up largely of the 'A' and 'B' sides of 7 and 12 inchers, seems to follow on from Cabaret Voltaire's work on the Sheffield scene in the late 70's and early 80's. The band was a kind of alternative supergroup featuring Barry Andrews of XTC fame and ex-Gang Of Four bassist Dave Allen who brought in art-rock individulaity and funk respectively. Highlights are undoubtedly 'My Spine Is The Bassline' and 'Madness Into Method' which are both groovesome, quirky and danceable. Naturally some of the work has dated somewhat; particularly the over-use of handclaps and the remixes don't offer much over the originals but whilst the similarly-styled Heaven 17 sold more records, Shriekback provided a maverick antidote to their commercialism.
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