Review: Alpha & Omega are serious UK dub legends and now they are back on ZamZam with a typically powerful new anthem featuring Steppas Records' Nai-Jah. Over a thunderous bassline, melodica, sparkling keys and evocative jungle sounds, Nai-Jah's heartfelt lyrics call for empathy and action as he signs "Money-making has filled our minds with disease." The flipside jam on this fine 7" is 'The Dubplate Trembles' which extends the vibes in classic style. Another fine collaboration from these mainstays who have already long since assured their legacy over the course of 30-plus albums that have shaped global sound system culture.
Review: Blimey, if this isn't major meeting of musical Midas minds then we don't know what is. Alter Echo, E3 and Headland all collaborating with legendary dub flautist Diggory Kenrick. "Temple Duel" sets the scene in deep underground chambers, untouched by the sun. Reverb space is our only guide and ritual combat is the only way out as we make our way through subsonic 808 bass foundations, a near-industrial mid-range bass guitar groove, stiff snares, stick-fighting percussion and Diggory's torchlight melody. A truly fluid hypnotic narrative that arcs through the dark, if you're looking for an even foggier route flip for "Temple Dub" where the torch is extinguished and you have nothing but your sonic wits to take you home. Only Diggory knows if you make alive or not...
Review: Detroit godfather Juan Atkins and Berlin techno legend Moritz Von Oswald return as Borderland, one of several collaborations since 1992 and following up their 2016 album for Tresor: the Transport LP which again consolidated both respective artist's solid studio experience, honed over the last 30 years. The funky, slightly bumpin' and absolutely addictive hi-tech soul of "Concave 1" will have you grooving away on a late night dancefloor in Berlin or beyond with its evocative and life affirming vibes. On the flip "Concave 2" further explores their studio refined sequences on this heady and hypnotic journey full of woozy arpeggios, steely rhythms and dubby bass frequencies.
Review: The always excellently go slow and tropical sounds of Big Crown now look to Bacao Rhythm and Steel Band for covers of two classics. Up first is Grace Jones' nightclub classic "My Jamaican Guy" while on the flip is Erykah Badu's tribute to the legendary J Dilla, "The Healer". Both retain the essence of the original but come with loose hand claps, shimmering steel drums that bring coastal breezes, sand and sun into the equation and leave you laying horizontal. These are fine interpretations of top notch source material.
Review: South African-born, US-based Brendon Moeller has long been at the sharp end of the dub techno world. This limited 12" vinyl is a great example of that with pure sonic storytelling full of warmth and depth. It was first put out back in 2019 and shows the unparalleled artistry of this man who has worked as both Echologist and Beat Pharmac. His organic, dubwise approach to techno is second to none with an immersive, ever-evolving narrative over tunes inspired by pioneers like On-U Sound and woven with Nyabinghi rhythms, industrial dread and modular grunge.
Review: Sam Binga has established himself with boundary-pushing club tracks on labels like Critical and Exit and for this one teamed up with Welfare, a junglist and the Rua Sound label boss. Together they were inspired by the rugged beauty of Conamara, County Galway and began the project in a 300-year-old cottage overlooking the sea in a place free of creature comforts but rich in inspiration. Using a handheld recorder, the duo explored tidal caves, ruins and windswept coastlines while recording the ambient sounds they heard on the way and then turned them into these deeply textured dub compositions through live desk mixing at Dubkasm's studio.
Precious Times (feat Prince Morella - Roots version) (6:55)
Review: Since rebooting his dub fired Bluetrain project late last decade, UK techno legend Steve O'Sullivan has delivered a string of superb 12" singles and an equally as impressive album, Steady Pulse. Naturally, the latest Bluetrain missive is a hypnotic, dubbed-out delight. Lead cut 'Frozen Rose (Special Edition Dub)' is simply superb - a rolling and hypnotic affair that joins the dots between Rhythm & Sound's earliest minimalistic dub-house epics and locked-in dub techno - all solid beats, echoing vocal snippets, deep sub bass and aquatic melodic motifs. It comes backed by a fresh 'Roots Version' of much-loved 2022 single 'Precious Times', featuring the honeyed vocals of Prince Morella.
Review: The legendary Fatman is back with another must-have 10" release featuring Don Carlos's iconic vocal roots classic from 1980. The A-side includes the full 12" disco mix, highlighted by Robbie Shakespeare's unforgettable bassline which adds to the fresh, deep groove of this perfectly aged track. On the flip side, you'll find Delroy Wilson's infectious 'Live Good' alongside its dub version. The OG is a heavyweight cut with plenty of FX, echo and lo-fi sounds all making it an unforgettable jam. Essentially this is an absolute no-brainer for reggae and roots music lovers.
Review: .German low end collective Bass Come Save Me unleash a new 45 with a strong Portland portrait as Boomarm's Gulls makes their debut on the label with a warm beat that will keep the chills at bay this winter. Add Jamaica's Wayne Daniel on the vocals and another Portland native Madgesdiq on the conscious bars and there's a vibe that sits somewhere between Roots Manuva, YT and Wyclef. Yeah it's that toasty. Stay blessy.
Black Woman Civilisation (feat Wellette Seyon) (3:58)
Jah Fingers (feat Joseph Lalibela) (3:48)
Zion Surround (feat Fikir Amlak) (4:03)
Gideon (feat Echo Ranks) (3:19)
Care For The People (feat Cologne) (3:33)
Likkle Zion (feat Yehoud-I) (4:20)
Arise (feat Nish Wadada) (3:40)
Yeh Beb (feat Ras Hassen Ti) (3:13)
Hosanna (feat Cian Finn & Ras Tinny) (3:39)
All The While (feat Earlyman) (3:24)
Black Woman Dub (feat Wellette Seyon) (3:59)
Dub Fingers (feat Joseph Lalibela) (3:23)
False Profit (feat Nai-Jah, Joe Pilgrim & Setondji Spirit) (4:35)
Gideon Dub (feat Echo Ranks) (2:41)
Dub For The People (feat Cologne) (3:32)
Likkle Dub (feat Yehoud-I) (3:37)
Arise Dub (feat Nish Wadada) (3:42)
Yeh Dub (feat Ras Hassen Ti) (3:28)
Hosanna Dub (feat Cian Finn & Ras Tinny) (3:31)
All The Dub (feat Earlyman) (3:25)
Review: After plenty of anticipation, UK dub mainstays Dub Dynasty finally unleash their fourth studio album following lots of extensive, worldwide touring. Much loved in many of the sound system communities of the world, the outfit brings underlying messages of peace and unity, which we all need plenty of right now. Next to the lyrical positivity, the beats are crisp and uplifting too, with polished metal bass, steely hits and oodles of digital effects all making these soul soothing, brain-cleansing jams. The trademark big steppers, the majestic horns, the fat bass are all present and correct throughout, of course.
Review: Zam Zam Sounds keep up the pressure with their fifth transmission so far this year (and 20th overall) and welcome Berlin-based soldiers Dub War and Infra into the fold with If It's Not The Police. Formerly a duo consisting of Benny Ill and Bill Robin, this 7" is the first release with the latter working solo under the guise and also his first collaboration with Marius Braun aka Infra. As with previous Zam Zam drops, the roots of dub culture are retained with If It's Not The Policea with a vocal cut backed by a dub rendition. Deep studio science and sound design paired with classic dub aesthetics, dubstep bass-weight, and halftime garage swing are very much in effect here and we hope this is the first of many collabs between the pair.
Review: Polish dub home-brewers Moonshine Recordings have commissioned an exceptional new release here from Bukkha, Dubbing Sun and Burro Banton; 'A1 Sound' really is more than worthy of its pronounced place at the top of the list, thanks to its unique fusion of heavyweight steppers dub production and a hardcore, doubletime beat worthy of any warehouse rave. The track bares an unusual push-pull, and it seamlessly introduces the A3 jungle mix too, whose tempo and pace matches the first two versions' dragged weightiness. But here it's all three artists' productive synergies that shine, the original mix flaunting a restlessly fickle fencing between hardcore techno, brusque rap-jaying and nu system dub, never totally settling on either sound.
Review: The mission-statement-and-artist-name Gabber Dub Project, from Germany, take on a bold undertaking. Doing exactly what is said on the tin, this six track explosion dispatches every possible topological contortion of what could be meant by "gabber dub", traversing transient styles from UK hardcore and hardstyle in the process. LXC, Zimmertime and Hurra Hurra offer terrifyingly shouty, jackhammering remixes checking off moods of militancy and warmongery, with 'Dubbersaet' sounding especially propagandistic, described as a "maximum amen workout", shortly before side B both hastens the pace and buries the vibe in shockingly six-foot-deep soil.
Review: Keith Hudson's Playing It Cool & Playing It Right is one of his most widely admired and loved for its soulful take on his dub template. Similar to Bullwackies who he collaborates with here, he was a unique innovator with a deeply rooted classical background. His early studio work involved esteemed musicians like the former Skatalites, and his initial releases produced hits for various reggae artists. However, Hudson's departure from this tradition is distinctive and entirely his own. His mature music ventures beyond Jamaica, and has found resonance in London and New York studio. His experimental style thrives in the LP format which has more time for him to really explore new ground.
Review: Five essential Yabby You roots classics from the mid-70s are being released via Prophets and Digikiller and they all come paired with King Tubby's visionary dubs. This one focuses on 'Fire In Kingston' from Vivian Jackson and The Prophets and it's the pinnacle of roots music blending spiritual depth with Tubby's groundbreaking production. The low end is warm and cavernous and the vocals are effortlessly stylish and soulful and with the addition of sprinkling percussion and a zoned-out dub and you have a lovely little 7".
Review: This laid-back dub 45 offers a seamless blend of positive vibes and deep rhythms. Side-1 features a classic reggae track with a powerful, uplifting message of unity. Mundell's smooth vocals are complemented by a steady, groovy rhythm that captures the essence of roots reggae. Side-2 takes the message to a more instrumental and dub-infused space, with the track being heavily dubbed out, showcasing intricate rhythms, echo effects and atmospheric layers. The dub version allows the music to breathe, emphasizing its meditative and expansive qualities. A perfect pairing for dub and reggae enthusiasts.
Why Can You Be In Two Places @ Once When You're Not Anywhere At All Where's Gary Mix (7:26)
A Ghetto Love Story (5:57)
Picking Tea Leaves & Chasing Butterflies (6:05)
Tiger (4:28)
Dragon Of The Ocean (Dogon mix) (6:07)
The Beginning Of The End (8:26)
Living In Recycled Times (10:15)
Prism (9:21)
Review: Prism brings the number of Orb albums to 18 and now in their fourth signnificant phase as a line up - Alex Paterson joined by Michael Rendell, replacing long term Thomas Fehlmann - released by electronic music duo The Orb into at least the high twenties. In this time, the pair have achieved cosmos-wandering musical mastery, expanding their usual dance music horizons into even further-flung territories like synthpop and non-dub reggae, tempering it all into a unified, fantastical sound. Only nine tracks convey The Orb's latest sonic imaginings, with the phase-swirly, wah-infected 'Why Can't You Be In Two Places At Once' and the future-reggae cut 'Dragon of the Ocean' standing out as highlights. Of course, it wouldn't be the same without The Orb's usual indulgence in collaboration, this one sporting appearances from Gaudi, Youth, David Harrow and violinist Violeta Vicci. .
Jah People In Blue Sky (feat Greentea Peng) (3:56)
Future Of My Music (feat Tricky & Marta) (3:59)
Goodbye (3:41)
Review: Being the prolific maverick he was known and loved for, we're still catching up with the output of the mighty Lee Scratch Perry long after his passing. Amongst the posthumous releases coming to light of late is this album on Tricky's False Idols label, in which Perry linked up with UK producer Daniel Boyle for a follow-up to their double hits of Back At The Controls and Black Album. It's a wide-ranging affair taking the dub approach to many different genres, with some noticeable contributions from artists like Greentea Peng, Shaun Ryder and Tricky himself. It's another fine reminder of what a gift of inspiration Perry was to the world of music, restlessly creative well into his later years.
Review: This reissue delivers a rich experience for fans of dub and reggae, spotlighting the artists innovative artistry. A master of blending traditional reggae with modern production, his sound is steeped in deep basslines, engaging melodies and a distinct UK steppers influence. The album's mostly instrumental tracks channel the essence of 90s dub while embracing a synthetic edge that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The vinyl pressing enhances the experience, offering warm, immersive sound quality. Each track flows seamlessly, creating a meditative journey through layers of bass-driven rhythm and atmospheric textures. J.Robinson's connection to vinyl culture shines through, honoring its heritage while inviting new listeners to explore its magic. This album stands as a testament to his skill and passion, delivering music that resonates deeply with both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers to the genre. Whether for its sonic depth or its contribution to modern dub, this release is a treasure for any reggae or vinyl collector.
Tony Roots - "Lickle Wikkid" (feat Jahbar I) (4:10)
Fire House Crew - "Lickle Wikkid" (dub) (4:13)
Clive Hylton - "Jah Is Watching" (4:08)
Fire House Crew - "Watching Dub" (4:16)
Review: Ras Guerrilla opts for a 10" slab of wax for this new one which features two vocal and two dub cuts. Tony Roots is the man main but also featuring on it are Jahbar I, Clive Hylton from Colour Red association, plus the always eager to impress Fire House Crew with none other than Flabba Holt on bass. Four vital cuts of seriously sick roots and lovers rock fusions with head twisting versions so that all moments in the party are catered for.
Review: Ashanti Selah's 'Love Shines Bright' delivers a powerful message of Jah praise, wrapped in a classic island sound that resonates with reggae and dub lovers. The track's uplifting rhythm and soulful vocals set a spiritual tone, invoking positivity and connection. On the flip side, J Rooney's 'Dub Shines Bright' is a masterful dub version, stripping down the original to its roots. With a spacey, atmospheric vibe, the dub version places the vocals in a new light while emphasising the groove and the intricate chords beneath. This 7" single provides a compelling contrast between message-driven reggae and its introspective, dub-infused counterpart, showcasing both artists' talents.
Review: This tune is also known as 'Jah Speak with Lightning and Thunder' and is a true classic from the early roots reggae movement. Recorded in 1974 by Lee Perry at Black Ark Studios, it blends haunting melodies with stirring rhythms and its powerful energy is matched by the atmospheric dub version which creates a deeply uplifting and inspirational sound. This gem is a cornerstone of reggae history that comes presented on nice and loud vinyl for an authentic vibe. A true gem for any reggae enthusiast and one that exemplifies the essence of Perry's groundbreaking work.
Review: Paul Dickow is the man behind the Strategy project and this album was first released by Khaliphonic in 2018 and now reissued on wax. The artist has long been thought of as a musical polymath who has spent his life immersed in hardware and crafting unique sounds across the dub spectrum. This record proves that and then some with a mix of dub techno, digi-dub and everything in between. The rhythms are deep and involving, the synths often icy and the percussion is just enough to elevate each tune next to sci-fi signifiers and cosmic motifs.
Review: Khaliphonic represents a rich seam alongside sister label ZamZam Sounds, carrying forth vital modern iterations of dubwise music from switched on artists the world over. As such, compilations like these are a perfect primer on who's out there doing great things, whether it's Bristol duo Titus 12 & MTF, Japan's Undefined or West Coast veterans Systemwide. There are plenty of ideas and styles explored here, from melancholic synth steppas to trad-school echo chamber immersion, but the constant is a staggering high quality. If a label should be a trusted stamp of authority, then Khaliphonic have their role nailed. Essential sonics for any dub-minded explorer.
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