Is Self Defence: Never, Never, Land Reconstructed and Bonus Beats a good place to start with Unkle?

Yes, Self Defence: Never, Never, Land Reconstructed and Bonus Beats is recommended as a starting point for new Unkle listeners. A kaleidoscopic journey through electronica, blending cinematic soundscapes with pulsating beats and intricate remixes. Released in 2006, this album follows Unkle's critically acclaimed 'Never, Never Land' from 2003. By this time, the group had established themselves as key players in the electronic music scene, known for their collaboration-driven approach and genre-blurring sounds. This album represents a moment of reimagining their previous work through extensive remixes and new interpretations.

How many songs are on Self Defence: Never, Never, Land Reconstructed and Bonus Beats?

Self Defence: Never, Never, Land Reconstructed and Bonus Beats has 41 tracks, running approximately 306 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

Self Defence: Never, Never, Land Reconstructed and Bonus Beats

Unkle · 2006

306 min · 41 tracks · electronica

A kaleidoscopic journey through electronica, blending cinematic soundscapes with pulsating beats and intricate remixes.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Burn My Shadow (Junkie XL remix) Start here — This remix transforms the original into an expansive soundscape, showcasing Junkie XL's knack for combining driving beats with atmospheric elements.
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Eye for an Eye (Mode remix) — The Mode remix elevates the original with a darker, hypnotic vibe that complements the song's themes of conflict and resolution.
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Reign (Evil 9 mix) — This version emphasizes a gritty, bass-heavy rhythm that captures the essence of late-night club culture while maintaining the original’s emotional depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases diverse remixes but lacks a cohesive narrative or flow across its extensive tracklist.

What we noticed

The first half is dominated by high-energy remixes that maintain a consistent tempo, while the second half introduces more atmospheric and slower pieces.
Several tracks feature intricate layering of electronic sounds, creating a dense soundscape that invites close listening.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic remix exploration across tracks
wave-like pacing for deep listening
headphone detail hunting through remixes
late-night reflective listening sessions
eclectic soundscapes for mood shifts

Maybe skip if you

seekers of instant gratification
prefer straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — This EP offers a unique remix perspective on previous work, appealing to dedicated fans.
Career context: Released in 2006, this album follows Unkle's critically acclaimed 'Never, Never Land' from 2003. By this time, the group had established themselves as key players in the electronic music scene, known for their collaboration-driven approach and genre-blurring sounds. This album represents a moment of reimagining their previous work through extensive remixes and new interpretations.
Stylistic neighbors: Massive Attack· Portishead· Thievery Corporation

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Tracklist

Disc 1

1 Burn My Shadow (Junkie XL remix) Start here 11:53
2 Burn My Shadow (Aidan Lavelle's Bells mix) 8:26
3 Burn My Shadow (Dan F remix) 7:31
4 What Are You to Me? / These Days (Sasha's Involver remix) 9:22
5 Eye for an Eye (Mode remix) 8:27
6 Eye for an Eye (Meat Katies Twisted in the Globe remix) 8:31
7 Eye for an Eye (Meat Katies E-Type dub) 7:50
8 Eye for an Eye (Tyrant remix) 9:32
9 In a State (Total Science dub mix) 6:05

Disc 2

1 Reign (original version) 5:35
2 Reign (Evil 9 mix) 8:28
3 Reign (Way Out West instrumental) 12:37
4 Reign (Trafik's Stoned Rose mix) 10:04
5 Reign (Morgan Geist remix) 7:01
6 Reign (Way Out West remix) 12:35
7 Reign (UNKLE Reconstruction) 6:36
8 Reign (Three AM's Black Swan vocal mix) 8:49
9 Reign (Beat Pharmacy's Better to Reign in Hell Than to Serve in Heaven mix) 5:14