Review: Death Is Not The End sublabel 333 Records reissue, in their estimation, one of the key 45s in the output of Prince Jazzbo's Ujama label, active in the late 1980s, and which preceded and perhaps presaged the oncoming digidub movement of the 90s. At this point, the artist known as Earlando Neil aka. Early B was a favourite fixture of Jazzbo's roster, famously channelling a proto-digital sound before the advent of digital dub production proper would unfortunately eclipse him. 'Imitator' is one such originator and version: a gruff, monophonic, bassy dancehall dragger, pon which B's vocal toasts are effortless to the point of burnt and hair-raising, and the basses sound like blowpipes; clock the synth bell too, also heralding the digital revolution to come.
Review: Irie Ites is a French label that is back with two more reggae heavyweights and frequent musical sparring partners in the form of Eek-A-Mouse and King Kong. They tackle a relic of the 'Murderer/Hot Milk' rhythm, a production that will take you back to the 80s reggae sound in an instant. 'Musical Ambassador' comes first and is a happy-go-lucky sound with some slow, dubby drums and lazy hits as well as stylised vocals, while the flip from King Kong, 'Money Could A Buy' fleshes it out with more reverb and natty guitar riffs that hang in the air above the cavernous low end.
Review: 'Born With It' by Mungo's Hi Fi, featuring Aziza Jaye, Gardna, and Eva Lazarus, is a high-energy anthem blending UK Garage and 90s rave vibes with a powerful dose of Drum n Bass. Aziza Jaye's searing vocals, Gardna's dynamic delivery, and Eva Lazarus's fierce dancehall attitude create an explosive party track. On Side-2 'Back in the Dayz', adds nostalgia with a deft rap over rave-infused breaks, sure to evoke memories of old-school rave scenes. This 2024 12" vinyl, eco-friendly and pressed in Scotland, includes unreleased instrumental versions and a dub mix of 'Back in the Dayz', making it essential for summer festivals, clubs and sound system parties.
Review: Home Hitters churn out edition 15 of their eponymous series, recollecting two noughties mainstays to a fresh white label A-and-B-sider. On the A we've 'Temperature', an experimental Sean Paul dancehall cut from the 2005 album The Trinity, although this is a faster take on dancehall than most would've heard it; the song's melody is infectious enough too, being one of those songs everyone knows as having wafted from car stereos or down-the-block house parties, and on which Paul waxes poetic about keeping the object of his affections warm. Enur's 'Calabria 2007' offered similar vibes, with its whimsical horn lead and carefree lyrical invitations.
Review: Dr. Afrodub by Ghanaian artist Ekowmania, aka Ekow Alabi Savage, is a standout in Afro-centric dub concoctions. He is a drummer, percussionist and singer with over two decades of experience alongside Jimi Tenor & Kabukabu and here he explores classic roots reggae, Afrobeat and dub along with some more modernist African rhythms. The whole record was produced by the great Jimi Tenor and started after a tribute song to Kwame Nkrumah which was recorded at guitarist Lauri Kallio's studio in Finland. The nine tracks bring great intensity of rhythm and include standout songs like 'Twerk Your Mind,' 'Dub Souljah,' and 'Me Know' while also featuring a remix from the one and only DJ Sotofett.
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