Review: Here's a precious reissue of a 12" single by Abbashantie (not to be confused with UK sound system giant Aba Shanti) and Neville & Jerry. Both were Jamaican reggae vocal duos who recorded for Wackie's, a still-going-strong US label and studio founded by Lloyd Barnes aka Wackie's or Bullwackie. The single was originally released in 1980 and features two utter groundshakers: 'Break Down The Walls' by Abbashantie and 'Abbashantie Rock' (with Wackie's Rhythm Force).
Review: The studio of Harry J's in Jamaica has turned out another pair of belters here. This limited edition and hand-numbered 7" features two killer 1969 tunes. The first is a bittersweet roots tune with a lead trumpet that does all the work. It's in conversation with the organ below and as they to and fro, expressing their pair, the bass rumbles and the percussion jangles. As well as that standout from Richard Ace, the flip-side has a super rare tune 'Candy Lady' by Hugh Black & George Ferris. It's another earthy tune with lovestruck vocals.
Review: Marseille label Secousse turn their attention to the debut single of Senegalese musician Maxidilick Adioa. 'Toubab Bile' was originally released in 1987, and it tackles the harrowing story of the West African soldiers betrayed by the French army in 1944. Having worked as a percussionist for years before that, Adioa invested his own money into recording the track in Paris and finding distribution through Safari Ambiance until his talents were picked up on by Island's Chris Blackwell. The track single-handedly launched Adioa's solo career, and it's not hard to hear why - the perfect synergy of West African and Jamaican music with a potent call for justice in its heart.
Review: Emotional Rescue can be relied on to dig up obscure, left of centre dance gems and serve them up to newer, wider audiences. Adu's reggae-pop cut 'Burkina Faso' is a great example, re-purposed for the dancefloor without any of its original flavour lost in the overhaul. A
South Saharan/West African emigre to Brixton, Rauf Adu would go on to fairly sizeable European fame with the Eddy Grant-esque 'Human To Human'. This, however, is his 1982 debut for Copasetic Records, another reggae-pop inspired, ludicrously catchy effort with scorched electric guitar and a Compass Point-style drum/bassline providing rhythmic rocksteadiness. As well as the buffed up original, there's a dub mix, which gives his beautiful guitar plenty of room to breathe, and an appearance from the Isle of Jura Sound System boss Kevin Griffiths , whose remix completes the trio of mixes.
Review: Italian label 4Weed Music is all about music you might want to smoke to, as the title suggests. It's an ever-expanding indie that deals in serious sound system, dub and bass tackle. This new one 'Wonderful was originally produced on the Japan riddim which was composed and arranged by Dread Lion Hi Fi following Japan's 2011 T?hoku Earthquake and the ensuing tidal wave that struck. He wrote it in Italy and it features the line "From Milano Italy to Tokyo Japan" in honour of that over hefty low ends, steely mid-range leads and ricochetting hits. A fat dub is found on the B-side of this release which was for years thought lost until a hard disk turned up the treasure.
Review: Is there a more consistent partnership in UK lovers rock than Pamela 'Aisha' Ross and Neil 'Mad Professor' Fraser? The pair has been working together consistently since 1986 and continue to periodically deliver killer cuts. 'Guide & Protect', which was first featured on the CD (but not vinyl) edition of Ross's 1987 album High Priestess, is one of their best - a sweet, life-affirming affair in which Ross sings sweetly and emotionally atop a typically synth-heavy, dub-flecked lovers rock 'riddim' by the effervescent Fraser. On this 7" edition, an edited version of the 1987 original comes backed by 'Aztec Warrior', a deliciously dubbed-out Mad Professor take on the same riddim featuring echoing flute and brass snippets.
Review: This is a reissue of a 7" single by Bobby Aitken and The Carib Beats, a Jamaican ska and rocksteady band active mainly during the 1960s. 'One Way Street' comes as a jubilant instrumental number topped off with a chromatic piano and prominent saxophone glidings from Val Bennett. 'Ska Mary', meanwhile, hears Roy Man croon over a bustling dive bar mood, slapping rims and shoulder-raising swings aplenty.
Albert "Alchemist" Thompson - "Promise Land Version" (3:34)
Review: Albert "Alchemist" Thompson's Promise Land comes courtesy of Freestyle Records and has great appearances on the mic from reggae and dancehall greats Frankie Paul, Joseph Cotton, Prince Malachi and Anthony John. It has never before been released and has had a long maturation period over the last 30 years. Albert Thompson was chief engineer at I&I Sound Recording Studio once it left LA and head to Jamaica and he saw work with greats like Dennis Brown, Bunny Wailer and Gregory Isaacs. He laid down these rhythms in 1991 during some downtime and then added the vocals 16 years later in London when working with talented local and touring Jamaican artists.
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: Partial are busy reissuing a series of the best works from pioneering UK dub outfit Alpha & Omega. They are known for the likes of their timeless 1991 reggae album Overstanding and seminal 'Shashamani' tune which came on a 1996 long player called Voice in the Wilderness. This 7" offers up 'Bush Ganja' which came originally back in 2006 and was made as a one-off with Gregory Isaacs, the late and great Jamaican singer. It has pretty much been sold out since the day it dropped but now comes back to a sound system near you with its ice cold dub, head twisting electronics and impassioned vocal. Check the flip for a mad dub.
Review: Altone, an emerging talent in dub techno, delivers the Invincible Nature EP on Denmark's Echocord Records, a label revered for over two decades. The EP showcases Altone's knack for crafting deep soundscapes. Side-1 features 'Naturally Unnatural,' presenting two distinct takes: the first is sparse and minimal, epitomizing classic dub techno, while the second version is more techy and aggressive, adding an edge to the composition. Side-2 brings remixes of 'Unnaturally Balanced.' Thomas Fehlmann, a legendary producer, lends his expertise to the 'Naturally Flowing' remix, infusing it with a fluid, dynamic quality. The 'Another Channel' version rounds out the EP with a quintessential dub treatment, staying true to the genre's roots. Invincible Nature EP is a compelling showcase of versatility in dub techno and Echocord's enduring influence in the scene.
Review: Kibir La Amlak is coming on strong in June with not one but two new offerings on regular home Indicia Dubs. "Lion Step" is another fresh and forward looking four track 10" with a thoroughly futurist twist on the tried and tested dub template. The shimmering leads glisten like buildings in some high rise metropolis, while the snaking leads and stoner effects all add to the escapism. The titular track leads proceedings in slick fashion, while "Lioness Step" slows down to a more meditative pace, with swagger bass for company.
Review: The always on point iNdicia Dubs invite you to get down to their latest riddim at the hands of Kibir La Amlak. Entitled '"Ancient Pulse" this new vinyl only missive has an enacting lead line that flutters away over this label's trademark drums: they are neon, steel plated, contemporary and do a good job of making you move. A tripper dub takes care of the A1 while on the flip there are even more whacked out versions with endless echo and reverb and natty keys, while "Divine Timing" is driven by a drilling bassline that burrows superbly deep.
Review: London sound system crew, live show and record label Kibir La Amlak, founded in 2009 by Jamie JT Thomas, has been busy of late, and the fruits of their labour are now shining through with a third EP on Indica Dubs in June alone. "Eye | Eye" is the most dreamy and detached dub of the recent run of offerings. It has almost nostalgic leads up top, shining bright on a summer's day while smooth bass shapes and wavy drum lines all sinking you into something of a reverie. Various iterations come from the other three dubs, meaning there is something for every mood and setting.
Review: Horace Andy dropped one of his most well-known cuts back in 1987. It's a lovely rootsy dancehall skank in the form of 'What A Problem' that he produced himself alongside Michael Taylo and Andy Bassford. His mic work is exceptional as he twists and turns his vocals to ride on top of the drums and deliver his message with style and grace in his textbook smooth vocal tone. The version on the flip drills down into darker and more gritty dancehall vibes with the fat bassline front and centre next to plenty of echo and reverb.
Review: Jamaican reggae legend Horace Andy has many great tunes in his back catalogue, but 'Get Down' is a classic roots gem often said to be one of his best. It's a signature sound with his trademark smooth and soulful vocals and is known for its deep, socially conscious lyrics and heavy bassline. This is one of those tunes that showcases Andy's ability to blend powerful messages with mellow rhythms and now gets pressed up to a tidy limited green smokey vinyl 7" thanks to Ruderalis. It comes with a fine instrumental version on the B-side
Ariwa Posse - "Rise & Shine" (with Askala Selassie) (3:26)
Joe Ariwa - "Rise & Shine" (dub) (3:27)
Review: Mad Professor's Aiwa Studios has never struggled with turning out sublime low end excursions in a range of dubby sub-genres. This 7" offers the latest chance to check in with what's going on there courtesy of the in-house Ariwa Posse with Joe Ariwa. This is reportedly one of two releases coming imminently which is great news because it bangs. First up is A-side wobbler 'Rise & Shine' (with Askala Selassie) which has clean digi-dub synths snaking between hissing hi hats and endless amounts of rerun while the silky bass rolls unhindered and the vocals bring aching soul. Joe Ariwa gets to work on a flip side dub that hits different.
Review: Joe Armon-Jones brings a fresh layer of depth to his ever-evolving sound with 'Sorrow', a track that takes its time to breathe, much like a slow unfolding narrative. The piece moves with a deliberate grace, weaving together his distinctive jazz-infused piano work with an underlying electronic pulse. It starts subtly, slowly layering textures that push the track into deeper emotional terrain. The interplay between live drums and ambient synths creates a fluid yet focused atmosphere, reflecting the introspective mood the title suggests. With 'Sorrow', Armon-Jones proves once again that he is unafraid to let his ideas mature at their own pace, leading listeners through a rich, captivating experience.
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