Back catalogue: Dub

Review: Ras Jammy from Suns of Dub has curated a special release for Trojan Records that celebrates the deep cultural and historical ties between dub music and cannabis, all rooted in Jamaican music and Rastafarianism. This album, which arrives just in time for the stoners' best day of the year, 420, features iconic tracks from pioneering dub dons King Tubby, Scientist, Dennis Bovell and Roots Radics. These are the legends that helped shape the genre and this compilation highlights how they did it and what influence they had on the development of dub music. So, when the day comes, light up a fat one and turn this one up loud.

Review: Mediation in Dub by The Revolutionaries, reissued as part of Death Is Not The End's 333 series, delves into the archives of NYC-based Flames label. The Revolutionaries, a renowned reggae session band, comprised a rotating lineup of top Jamaican musicians, anchored by the formidable duo of Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare. Recorded at Channel One studio in Kingston during the mid-1970s, under the guidance of producer Ossie Hibbert, these tracks feature dub versions of Winston Jones's Flames label releases. Jones, known for his work on 'Stop That Train,' established Flames in NYC in the early 1970s, becoming a key player in Brooklyn's reggae scene. Meditation in Dub is a collector's gem, offering essential dub versions of popular rhythms from the era. This reissue, licensed from Jones and mastered with assistance from DKR, provides a valuable snapshot of reggae's roots and early dancehall periods.

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.

Review: Roger Robinson is a commanding presence in the dub poetry scene, blending the weight of social commentary with the power of sound system culture. In collaboration with Disrupt, he concludes an album trilogy that brings together deep bass, potent rhythms, and piercing lyricism. Across tracks like 'Dub Apprentice' and 'Zion Melody', built from the Jahtari vaults, Robinson's delivery fluctuates between a soulful falsetto and deep, thunderous poetry, each verse striking with the force of the riddim itself. Disrupt's production is lush and dub-heavy, ensuring the music moves both body and mind. The release features riddims from Tapes, Naram, Jura Soundsystem, Maffi, and Bo Marley, offering a fusion of oppression and optimism. The result is a project that urges listeners to both dance and reflect.

Review: Rico Rodriguez, all-round brilliant Jamaican horn and and trombonist, played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of ska, rocksteady and reggae. Born in Kingston in 1934, he began his career in the 1950s then joined the Skatalites in the early 1960s, and whether one chalks this lucky break up to birthrights, shrewd decisions or chance sliding door moments is up to the historian. But his talent cannot be denied: over the years, Rico worked with Toots And The Maytals, Bob Marley, and The Specials. His masterful trombone solos lent parping bombast to a scene which abhorred tinniness, and the Man From Wareika album exemplified this. This dub edition is a crucial pre-release dub edition from the 1976 classic, in which we hear a full instrumental brass-and-bass dive-bombing across nine formerly unreleased Island Records trinkets.

Review: The scale is staggering, but the result is as focused and spiritual as any great dub record should be. Helmed by Swiss producer and keyboardist Mathias Liengme, this set draws together dozens of Jamaican session players from the 70s to todayithink Sly Dunbar, Vin Gordon, Ernest Ranglinion nine instrumental dubs cut and sculpted by Roberto Sanchez. '1000 Light Years DUB' opens with spacey textures and a tightly coiled rhythm section, easing into the skanking horns of 'In The Shadow DUB'. 'Whitewater DUB' flows warm and steady, while 'Memories of Old DUB' evokes roots nostalgia without drifting into pastiche. 'Rose Hall's Birds DUB' stands out for its bright brass interplay; 'Squirrel Inna Barrel DUB' rides a darker groove, led by echo-laden percussion. 'Under The Cotton Tree DUB' softens the tempo with flute and keys, followed by the spacious bass work of '45 Charles Street DUB'. The closer, 'Everlasting Love DUB', arranged around Errol Kong's melody, feels like both a send-off and an embraceiglowing, open, eternal.

Review: From Then 'Til Now marks Roots Architects' debut full-length album, a monumental project bringing together over 50 of Jamaica's most iconic session musicians. Spanning from the birth of reggae in the late 1960s to the present day, the album is a celebration of the unsung heroes of reggae music: the rhythm builders or Roots Architects. Conceived by Swiss keyboardist and producer Mathias Liengme, the album is the culmination of years of dedication to honoring Jamaica's musical legacy. Liengme's journey began in 2013 with "The Inspirators" project, leading to his immersion in Kingston's studio scene and the eventual formation of Roots Architects. Recorded in Kingston studios over February and March 2017, the album features a stellar lineup of veteran musicians aged 60 to 85, including legends like Robbie Lyn, Fil Callender, and Dalton Browne. Together, these Roots Architects revive the spirit of reggae, creating nine instrumental tracks that pay homage to their enduring legacy and timeless artistry.