Lunatic Calm
| Company type | Music duo |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Founder | Simon "sHack" Shackleton, Howard "Howie" Saunders |
| Defunct | 2003 |
Area served | United Kingdom, United States |
| Products | Music albums, singles, remixes |
Lunatic Calm was a British electronic duo established in 1996, recognized primarily for their industrial-influenced big beat sound.
History
Formed by Simon "sHack" Shackleton and Howard "Howie" Saunders, this partnership produced two studio albums alongside several singles and remixes. Prior to Lunatic Calm, they had worked together in groups such as Headless Chickens and Flicker Noise with Thom Yorke of Radiohead fame.
Metropol (1997)
Their first album, Metropol, fused unconventional trip hop rhythms with robust big beat elements, often drawing parallels to The Prodigy. Following limited backing from MCA Records, the duo redirected their efforts towards the American market, undertaking successful tours alongside artists like Crystal Method. The track "Leave You Far Behind" became particularly prominent, featuring in soundtracks for films including The Matrix, Charlie's Angels, and Mortal Kombat Annihilation, as well as appearing in video games and television programs. Lunatic Calm also crafted remixes for acts such as Bush, DJ Scissorkicks, and Curve. Their studio setup incorporated tools like the Atari ST, Akai S1000 sampler, Roland synthesizers, Novation instruments, along with Gibson and Fender guitars.
Breaking Point (2002) and disbanding
The second album, Breaking Point, arrived in 2002 amid prolonged conflicts with record labels and scant promotional support. Coinciding with its release, their label City of Angels collapsed financially. Lacking institutional backing, Lunatic Calm dissolved in 2003. Reflecting on this period, Simon Shackleton stated: "There was no label support whatsoever—no promotion or assistance with either album—so we handled everything independently. Eventually, we exhausted our energy and resources after being badly let down by both releases."
Aftermath
Simon Shackleton has continued to be a significant presence within electronic and hybrid music genres, releasing material under monikers such as Elite Force, Zodiac Cartel, and his own name. As an innovator of the Tech-Funk style—a blend of house, breaks, electro, and techno—he oversaw influential labels including U&A Recordings and Fused & Bruised. His Elite Force persona garnered several Breakspoll Awards along with a Beatport Award.
Following a flourishing career as a touring DJ and producer, Shackleton transitioned toward a more cinematic approach under his own identity. In 2025, he unveiled the intimate album The Shadowmaker, which delves into themes of fragility, grief, and perseverance. This release is accompanied by an immersive live multimedia experience combining film, storytelling, and live performance that premiered at Denver’s Holiday Theater.
He has also composed scores for movies, television productions, commercials, and video games while maintaining regular appearances at Burning Man and other transformational festivals.
Albums
- Metropol (1997)
- Breaking Point (2002)
Singles
- "Centista" (1996)
- "Leave You Far Behind" (1997)
- "Roll the Dice" (1997)
- "LC Double '0' Series" (1998)
- "One Step" (1999)
Remixes
- The Heads – "Don't Take My Kindness for Weakness" (1996)
- Amen – "Vacuum" (1996)
- Collapsed Lung – "Ballad Night" (1996)
- Hurricane #1 – "Chain Reaction" (1997)
- Black Grape – "Get Higher" (1997)
- Bush – "Comedown" (1997)
- Curve – "Chinese Burn" (1997)
- Definition of Sound – "Outsider" (1997)
- Elite Force – "Cool Like The Man" (1997)
- Meat Katie – "Boned" (1997)
- Pitchshifter – "Genius" (1998)
- Mankind Liberation Front – "Isolated" (1999)
- DJ Scissorkicks – "Clap Yo' Hands" (1999)
- Earl Hagen – "I Spy" (2001)
Soundtrack appearances
- The Jackal (1997) – features "Leave You Far Behind"
- Mortal Kombat Annihilation (1997) – instrumental version of "Leave You Far Behind"
- Head On (1998) – includes "Leave You Far Behind"
- ESPN X-Games Pro Boarder (1998) – contains "Leave You Far Behind"
- The Matrix (1999) – remix of "Leave You Far Behind"
- Trailer for Twin Dragons (1999) – uses "Leave You Far Behind"
- Arlington Road (1999) – features the track "Neon Reprise"
- Video game Need for Speed: High Stakes (1999) – includes "Roll the Dice"
- Video game Test Drive 6 (1999) – features "Leave You Far Behind"
- Video game FIFA 2000 (1999) – remix of the track LC001
- TV series episode of La Femme Nikita (2000) – includes "Leave You Far Behind"
- Film Charlie's Angels (2000) – instrumental mix of "Leave You Far Behind"
- Movie The Guilty (2000) – features the song "Leave You Far Behind"
- Trailer for the film Titan A.E. (2000) – uses the track "Leave You Far Behind"
- Video game Formula One 2001 (2001) – includes the song "Shockwave"
- Game Jeremy McGrath Supercross World (2001) – features the track "Leave You Far Behind"
- Film Tomcats (2001) – Fatboy Slim vocal remix of "Roll the Dice"
- Teaser trailer for the movie Spider-Man (2002) – uses the song "Leave You Far Behind"
- Compilation album for TV show Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Radio Sunnydale (2003) – includes "Sound of the Revolution"
- Soundtrack for film Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003) – features "Leave You Far Behind"
- Video game MotorStorm (2007) – contains "Leave You Far Behind"
- Television series titled Drive (2007) – includes "Leave You Far Behind"