Review: We shall never apologise for our love for the work of Steve O'Sullivan. His contributions to the world of dub techno are second to none. They are also mad consistent both in style and quality which means they never age. Here he steps up to Lempuyang with his Blue Channel alias alongside Jonas Schachner aka Another Channel for more silky smooth fusions of authentic dub culture and Maurizo-style techno deepness. Watery synths, hissing hi-hats with long trails and dub musings all colour these dynamic grooves. They're cavernous and immersive and frankly irresistible and the sort of tracks that need to be played loud in a dark space. In that context, you'll never want them to end.
Bongo Ossie & The Moon Lights - "Black Society" (2:50)
Super 8 Corporation - "Black Version" (2:58)
Review: The reissue of Bongo Ossie & The Moon Lights' Black Society on Hornin' Sounds is a treasure for hardcore reggae enthusiasts. Originally from 1975, the original delivers a classic roots sound with a fantastic collaboration that resonates deeply with lovers of the genre. The timeless track exudes the soulful and socially conscious vibes characteristic of the era. On Sidde-2, 'Black Version' transforms the original into a dub version. With abundant echo effects and an engaging stop-and-start beat, this track offers a dynamic listening experience. It's perfect for DJs seeking to infuse their sets with a vintage yet innovative reggae twist.
Review: Tabou 1 is on a roll right now and their latest offering features reggae icon Johnny Clarke teaming up with the legendary rhythm duo Sly & Robbie. 'Every Knee' is an archetypal roots reggae anthem that has everything you want in a tune. It demands to be played loud and proud and blends Clarke's soulful, spiritual vocals with Sly & Robbie's masterful bass and drum foundation. The rest of the tracks here also have deep grooves and heartfelt lyrics that resonate with themes of devotion and unity and are enhanced by the signature dub-infused production.
Review: 1994's original pressing of Steely & Clevie's outstanding leftfield production with Johnny Clarke's vocals is well worth inspecting, but you might struggle to find one these days, and it'll be pricey if you do, because it's become something of a classic 45. Thankfully it gets reissued here with A-side original 'Leggo Violence' rolling lazy drums while the Clarke vocals soar high and sweet despite what they sing about. On the flip is a smooth rolling version that allows that super bassline to do its thing free from any distraction, and all with extra dub goodness.
Review: Having already introduced us to many of their regular 'pals' - re-editors specialising in Balearic and cosmic oddities - Manchester's Drum Chums crew now wants is to meet their 'percussion pals'. They operate within similar sonic territory if this first multi-artist missive is believed, albeit with more of a penchant for dubbed-out drums. There's plenty to set the oulse racing throughout, from the metronomic dub-chug of Spice Route's incredible 'Gruler Dub' - a fine re-edit debut from the long-serving Bristol selector - and the expertly dubbed-out space disco trip that is DJ Pouffsouffle's 'Totally Manic'. Elsewhere, Manc stalwart Neil Diablo delivers the ultra-slow weird-wave pop of 'Starry Night', while Hysteric's 'Pinball' is a blue-eyed soul treat.
Review: Part of a fresh string of reissues of Love & Unity 12"s - one of many star aliases to grace the annals of South London reggae label Studio 16 - comes this headfirst collision between L&U and Seargent Pepper. Sharing similar instrumentals, 'I Just Don't Care' hears a blissful femme soprano glide elegantly across its bubblings - the instrumental is super well-rounded, sawn-off. On the B-side, meanwhile, there's Pepper's 'Cut From Master Tape', which hears Pepper toast the rhythm lackadaisically, as endlessly hazy dub effects resound and a janky double-time kick propels it all forward.
Seargent Pepper - "Dub & Rub Ina Imitation Way" (7:44)
Review: Mellow Rose and Seargent Pepper's 'Imitation Love' proved a big-hitting reggae 45rpm when it first dropped and so now it has been reissued on this sweet, limited edition red vinyl 12". It first came on Studio 16 back in August of last year and is already worth a pretty penny on second hand markets. The A-side is a super sweet lover's rock sound with falsetto vocals up top, acoustic guitars and fleshy low ends sinking you into a romantic rhythm. On the flip, Seargent Pepper gets to work on 'Dub And Rub Ina Imitation Way' which is more sci-fi and futuristic in its sound designs, all with a hazy and stoner edge.
Review: Prince Chamba joins forces for a superb new roots cut here with Slimmah Sound and Ital Horns. Their 'Secret Light' is a smoky and seductive sound with wobbling low ends and impassioned vocals delivered with a heart-aching twist as the melanotic horns fly up top and rousing chords add some hope. Slimmah Sound & Ital Horns then add their own heavily reverbed dub version and Slimmah Sound offers 'Melody Of Light' which is full of hypnotic harmonica leads. A second dub version once again reworks it into a stoner's delight that will sink you deep into the sofa.
Review: Prince Fatty's 'Mercedes Benz' with Shniece and Horseman is a rub-a-dub version of a 1970s hit from Janis Joplin that now gets a very special pressing courtesy of Lovedub Limited. The A-side kicks off with the spine-tingling and epic original vocal before disappearing into a world of reverb. At that point the dubby low end arrives and brings a different vibe to the stunning vocals but one that really makes a mark next to new bars from Horseman, police sirens and funky riffs. It's a tough sound system groove that is backed with a fine version and has been a firm fixture of Prince Fatty's record box for a while now.
Review: Seafront International is "honoured" to unveil a poignant tribute to the late, great Sandeeno, who left us far too soon. In that regard, and with the legacy he leaves, he joins the ranks of many other reggae legends. This long-awaited release originates from a recording session a decade ago at Backyard Studio UK, and since then it has lay patiently awaiting completion. Renowned Belgian producer Martin De Ronne, also known as Unlisted Fanatic, has impeccably handled production and mixing duties. He levels up the track with the soulful embellishments of Moonshine Horns and guitar accents courtesy of Kingston Echo.
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: Shades of Black is producer Paul Fox. He is based in the UK and makes roots, reggae and dub with a global fee. It has been that way since he debuted in 1992 and in the ensuing hears has worked with the likes of Nick Manasseh, Robert Tribulation, Michael Rose, Alpha and Omega and many more. Here he is dropping one of a couple of new tunes on the Africa Mae Do Leao label out of Brazil. 'Promised Land' (Binghi Mix) is super slow dub with Indian melodic references. 'Promised Dub' (Stepper Mix) is heavier and darker and more for the club.
Review: The excellent and brilliantly consistent Shades of Black brings together many Black musical genres and messages on this new 7" for the Africa Mae Do Leao label out of Brazil. It is dub with a global twist - the dig-dub low ends paired with mystic synth leads, organic percussion and echoing hits. Vocals speak with conscious messages about being the enemy, fighting back and plenty more. If you prefer it more direct then check out the dub on the flip which has more rich melodies that ring out above the tight rhythms.
Review: Shaka Man is an LA-based drummer who offers up a pair of new tunes here. The stick man has a truly unorthodox style which is showcased in the rhythms he manages to cook up - they will have you utterly in knots and lost in space and time. These are never before heard tunes that were recorded at home in his basement and are full of raw and honest expression. 'Coronation Binghi' is built on a foundation of drums that are run through plenty of delays to make for some seriously heft low end. The rich percussion finishes it off with a beautifully minimalist style while 'Chain Reaction' features a vocal and instrumental version.
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