This landed on the Trashfilter desks with a hefty thump: the large cardboard box was quickly opened, as I had no idea what was inside. A 280-page book about the past decade of Matix clothing? Call me ignorant, but has it really only been 10 years since the guys started the label? It feels like they’ve been part of skating’s DNA for considerably longer.

If you’ve never stopped to appreciate the work and thought that goes into creating one of the truly genuine skate brands, this book will blow you away. From the original 4th July conversations in 1997 between Tim Gavin, Daewon Song and the guys, through to the first collection in 1999, via pages of initial identity and design ideas, and right up to the some of their most popular and interesting pieces, this book is far more than your average backslapping catalogue.

The Matix team members (and a host of affiliates, such as Giovanni Reda) get asked the same five questions based on the idea of progress, each giving a little insight into their own thoughts. Whilst there’s enough reading material in there to keep you occupied for a few nights, it’s the collation of the stunning photography that gives the book permanent coffee table rights. Mike Dytri’s fantastic design and layout skills shine throughout: the result is a clean, easy-to-follow, and (most importantly) interesting journey through the brand’s archives.

Seeing the September ‘98 cover of Thrasher in the book brought back memories: Marc Johnson frontside heelflipping in the original yellow Matix promo tee took me back to standing in Slam City Skates discussing what the range was going to bring. Over the years, Matix have managed to get a bunch of tees (and several other items) into my wardrobe. Association with the right names gave the brand immediate credibility: the original team line up of Rodney Mullen, Rudy Johnson, Tim Gavin, Marc Johnson, Daewon Song, Sean Sheffey, Jeron Wilson and J.B. Gillet has gotta be one of the strongest line-ups for any clothing label launch.

I was initially led to believe that this book was a promo-only treat, but I’ve found a bunch of places online offering it since, so make sure you jump on it and grab one. Thanks to the guys at Revival/Podium for sending this one across – book of the year for me, so far!