Skint records undoubtdely currently hold the music cup in Brighton - and having Fatboy Slim in their front line has no doubt helped the finances as well as the profile. But there may be trouble looming on the touch line.
The, so far, underdogs and late arrivals Catskills Records have more than a few tricks up their sleeves and could be offering some stiff competition to claim the hearts and heads of the dance music fan base.
Many of those fans are already more familiar with the Brighton based Catskills team than they realise. As the label behind Pepe Deluxe, the band that recently had numerous pairs of Levi's twisting to their tune, they can brag unrivalled success.
But whilst reeling in the aftermath of such exposure, it has no doubt crossed their minds that many before them simply had 15 minutes of fame with an advert and then disappeared back to their quiet lives.
This compilation should prove to all the doubting Thomas's that this is one label who won't be vanishing along with their last hit.
Fifteen tracks from twelve of their own artists, and ten of which are previously unreleased is impressive enough a figure. But when you hear the whole album, with no fillers, no half hearted efforts, you realise that Catskills have achieved something pretty special. For a relatively new independent to have such a solid roster of defined and competent artists is no common thing.
Diversity is the key because although, as with their most familiar signings Pepe Deluxe, the beats play a big part, 'Straight Out Of the Cat Litter' homes in on loads more interesting styles. There are elements of disco with Bushy, or down tempo jazz with Zero Theory. Even classical enters via Vibra and Bob James' keyboard philandering on Hardkandy's 'Queen B'.
So the future's looking bright. Lets just hope Brighton's big enough for the both of em.
