Back catalogue: Reggae

Review: This exciting new compilation is a richly layered celebration of reggae's instrumental foundations. The second chapter in the Roots Architects project, this dub album gathers over 50 of Jamaica's most revered session musicians to breathe new life into rhythms rooted in reggae's golden era. Produced by Swiss keyboardist Mathias Liengme and dubbed by Roberto Sanchez, the record is a journey into the sonic textures of Kingston's legendary studios during the late 70s. Each track pulses with the timeless craftsmanship of players like Lloyd Parks, Fil Callender and Earl "Chinna" Smith. The dub treatments are both spacious and inventive, recalling the spiritual haze and echo-drenched brilliance of King Tubby and Lee Scratch Perry at their peak. Sanchez handles the desk with deep respect and balances fidelity with creativity. From Dub 'Til Now is a historical tribute of reggae's enduring history.

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.