New releases last eight weeks: Dub

Review: Originally released in 1993 and out of print for many years, this classic Dub Syndicate album is now reissued on the vital On-U. Drummer "Style" Scott and bassist "Flabba" Holt anchor the massive reggae riddims here while Adrian Sherwood delivers his signature production at the controls, twisting and contouring sound to melon melting effect. The album features standout guest appearances, including Lee "Scratch" Perry on 'Dubbing Psycho Thriller' and 'Dubaddisababa' as well as Michael Franti on 'No No.' The reissue brings this influential dub album back into the spotlight and is all the evidence that you need that Dub Syndicate are masters of their craft.

Review: Dub Syndicate's classic 1991 album was recorded in Jamaica and London and remains one of their most iconic releases. Featuring rock-solid rhythms from band leader Style Scott, it includes contributions from Skip McDonald on guitar, Lee "Scratch" Perry vocals and Akabu, Prince Far I samples. This album gained popularity with both acid house fans and dub enthusiasts as it was a post-rave favourite for back-to-yours smoking sessions. The title track is a mix of reggae, electronica, The Doors and Motown that remains unique and after being out of print for years, this reissue has been re-cut by Frank Merritt.

Review: Dub Syndicate's Ital Breakfast is a compelling exploration of dub and reggae, showcasing the band's evolution under the guidance of producer Adrian Sherwood. The album opens with 'Throw Down Your Gun,' setting a reflective tone with its deep bass and intricate rhythms. Tracks like 'The Jewel' and 'Gun Too Hot' delve into more experimental territories, blending traditional dub elements with innovative soundscapes. The title track, 'Ital Breakfast,' features a notable cameo by the legendary deejay I Roy, adding a unique flavor to the mix. The album concludes with 'The Captain's Trance Mission,' where Lee 'Scratch' Perry makes a surprise appearance, further enriching the project's depth. Overall, Ital Breakfast exemplifies Dub Syndicate's ability to fuse classic dub foundations with contemporary experimentation, resulting in a dynamic and engaging listening experience.

Review: This release offers a fresh collection of Dub Syndicate 'versions', drawing on rhythms from their classic 1989-1996 period. Adrian Sherwood revisits the original tapes, applying his signature mixing desk magic to uncover new angles on the iconic pulse of drummer Lincoln Valentine "Style" Scott. The album features new dubs of tracks from albums like Time Boom X De Devil Dead and Stoned Immaculate, highlighting the enduring creative partnership between Sherwood and Scott. Fresh overdubs from Cyrus Richard of the Dub Asante Band add a modern twist to these timeless rhythms. As the fifth and final release in On-U Sound's Dub Syndicate reissue series, this album builds on the legacy of Ambience In Dub, which anthologised the group's earlier work. The tracks reflect the band's greatest popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when Scott emerged as a key force alongside Sherwood. The result is a fusion of Jamaican musicianship and UK studio experimentation that appealed to both ravers and reggae enthusiasts. This release serves as a fitting tribute to a legendary collaboration, continuing the story of a unique musical legacy.

Review: The Dub Syndicate's later albums, rounding off their earlier box set, showcase the band's evolution in the late 1980s and 90s, marking their rise to prominence. With Style Scott stepping into the spotlight as bandleader and co-producer, the group's sound transformed, blending classic Jamaican musicianship with Adrian Sherwood's signature UK studio experimentation. This fusion created a series of albums that appealed to both ravers and dreads, combining dub's roots with experimental sounds. Included are: Strike The Balance (1989), followed by Stoned Immaculate (1991), Echomania (1993) and Ital Breakfast (1996), each album further refining the band's distinctive urban dub sound. The bonus album, Obscured By Version (2025), serves as a special treat, offering fresh versions of rhythms from this era. The Dub Syndicate remain legends in the genre, known for their bold use of sampling and raw, immersive dub that has influenced generations of listeners. This collection highlights their critical role in shaping the dub sound, cementing their place in music history.

Review: Strike the Balance is another standout Dub Syndicate set featuring vocal contributions from reggae legend Bim Sherman on a cover of Lloyd & Devon's 'Cuss Cuss' and Shara Nelson, whose work with Massive Attack on Blue Lines was soon to make her a household name, but here offers her rendition of Serge Gainsbourg's 'Je T'aime.' Released in 1989, this album marked a significant moment in the evolution of Dub Syndicate and coincided with the group's emergence as a touring unit. The album blends reggae, dub and experimental sounds into a distinctive, genre-defying style. A welcome reissue.