Review: Altone, an emerging talent in dub techno, delivers the Invincible Nature EP on Denmark's Echocord Records, a label revered for over two decades. The EP showcases Altone's knack for crafting deep soundscapes. Side-1 features 'Naturally Unnatural,' presenting two distinct takes: the first is sparse and minimal, epitomizing classic dub techno, while the second version is more techy and aggressive, adding an edge to the composition. Side-2 brings remixes of 'Unnaturally Balanced.' Thomas Fehlmann, a legendary producer, lends his expertise to the 'Naturally Flowing' remix, infusing it with a fluid, dynamic quality. The 'Another Channel' version rounds out the EP with a quintessential dub treatment, staying true to the genre's roots. Invincible Nature EP is a compelling showcase of versatility in dub techno and Echocord's enduring influence in the scene.
Review: The always on point iNdicia Dubs invite you to get down to their latest riddim at the hands of Kibir La Amlak. Entitled '"Ancient Pulse" this new vinyl only missive has an enacting lead line that flutters away over this label's trademark drums: they are neon, steel plated, contemporary and do a good job of making you move. A tripper dub takes care of the A1 while on the flip there are even more whacked out versions with endless echo and reverb and natty keys, while "Divine Timing" is driven by a drilling bassline that burrows superbly deep.
Review: Kibir La Amlak is coming on strong in June with not one but two new offerings on regular home Indicia Dubs. "Lion Step" is another fresh and forward looking four track 10" with a thoroughly futurist twist on the tried and tested dub template. The shimmering leads glisten like buildings in some high rise metropolis, while the snaking leads and stoner effects all add to the escapism. The titular track leads proceedings in slick fashion, while "Lioness Step" slows down to a more meditative pace, with swagger bass for company.
Review: London sound system crew, live show and record label Kibir La Amlak, founded in 2009 by Jamie JT Thomas, has been busy of late, and the fruits of their labour are now shining through with a third EP on Indica Dubs in June alone. "Eye | Eye" is the most dreamy and detached dub of the recent run of offerings. It has almost nostalgic leads up top, shining bright on a summer's day while smooth bass shapes and wavy drum lines all sinking you into something of a reverie. Various iterations come from the other three dubs, meaning there is something for every mood and setting.
Review: Timeless Roots is a brilliant collaboration between reggae legend Horace Andy and renowned bassist Jah Wobble. Known for his ethereal vocals, Andy breathes new life into classics like Stevie Wonder's 'Superstition' and The Beatles' 'Come Together', while also revisiting his own iconic tracks like 'Skylarking' and 'Natty Dread A Weh She Want.' Wobble, former PiL bassist, Orb collaborator as well as a solo artist of some renown, blends reggae, modern dub and world music to create a rich sonic landscape that perfectly complements Andy's distinctive voice. The album stands out not only for its reinterpretation of well-known songs but also for its innovative production, which maintains the essence of roots reggae while introducing contemporary elements.
Wobble's deep bass grooves provide a solid foundation, allowing Andy's vocals to soar, particularly on new takes of his classics. This collaboration is a seamless fusion of two musical worlds, making Timeless Roots one of the standout reggae albums of the yearia true match made in musical heaven.
Ugly Truth (feat Lee Scratch Perry - remix) (2:36)
Review: Hot on the heels of his rather good album Ekundayo - a brilliant set of reggae, dancehall and folk-infused lo-fi soul songs - Nottingham singer-songwriter Liam Bailey returns with two bona-fide legends in tow. The Roots member Black Thought guests on a bold new version of LP track 'Champion', in which he and Bailey's superb vocals ride a fuzzy, organ-rich riddim that sits somewhere between classic reggae and pitched-down dancehall. The Legendary Lee 'Scratch' Perry lends his distinctive vocals to the fresh flipside version of 'The Ugly Truth', an intergalactic digi-dub-goes-soul affair that's every bit as awesome as the on-point A-side. Tip!
George Dekker & The Inn House Crew - "Nana" (3:28)
The Inn House Crew, George Dekker & Oxman - "It Sweet SA" (feat Vin Gordon) (3:26)
Review: George Dekker was a founding member of The Pioneers, a hit reggae group who'd plenty of UK chart success with big tunes like 'Long Shot Kick de Bucket,' 'Let Your Yeah be Yeah' and 'Sweet Inspiration'. Here, for a special Record Store Day 20210 release, we get a remake of 1968 tunes 'Nana.' It first came on the Trojan label and is a highly sought after original that fetches plenty. It's a super sweet tune with lazy horns and a swaggering riddim. On the backside is a version with MC the Oxman and legendary Studio One and Bob Marley trombonist Vin Gordon. This one is a sympathetic version that only tweaks the signal a little.
Review: Dice The Boss's 'Gun The Man Down', originally released in 1969 on Trojan's Joe sublabel, embodies the essence of skinhead reggae. Its irresistible beats and meaningful lyrics enrapture listeners, solidifying its place as an enduring classic. Similarly, 'Your Boss DJ' highlights the era's cultural significance, brimming with energetic melodies and musical expertise. These reissued singles are essential for collectors, providing a window into the rich tapestry of Jamaican music history in Britain. With their profound impact and cultural significance, they are indispensable additions to any aficionado's collection.
Video Killed The Radio Star (feat Berise & Tracy Merano) (4:37)
Heart Of Glass (feat Sara Lugo) (3:37)
Running Up That Hill (4:32)
Girls Just Want To Have Fun (feat Denham) (3:54)
Mad World (feat Toogah) (5:25)
Fade To Grey (feat Toogah) (4:43)
Tainted Love (4:26)
Ordinary World (feat Querbeat - dub) (4:34)
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (feat Denham - dub) (3:40)
Lullaby (feat Toogah - dub) (5:06)
Video Killed The Radio Star (feat Berise & Tracy Merano)
Heart Of Glass (feat Sara Lugo)
Fade To Grey (feat Toogah)
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (feat Denham)
Tainted Love
Running Up That Hill (feat Claire Parsons)
It's No Good
Ordinary World (feat Querbeat)
Lullaby (feat Toogah)
Mad World (feat Toogah)
Video Killed The Radio Star (dub)
Heart Of Glass (dub)
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (dub)
Running Up That Hill (dub)
Ordinary World (dub)
Lullaby (dub)
Review: You might remember Dubxanne for his Echo Beach tribute to British pop legends The Police some 15-odd years ago now. Well, he is back here with a new album that brings together new wave and dub reggae - two relatives from the same musical family. He takes 10 classics from those genres, as well as post-punk and synth-pop, and gives them his own twist. It's the latest in Echo Beach's dub-leaning series which pays tribute to various 80s sounds. 'Heart of Glass', 'Video Killed The Radio Star' and 'Video Killed The Radio Star' all feature in fresh new forms.
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: Death Is Not The End's 333 series reissues the exceptional original cut of the late Hortense Ellis' wonderful 'Hell & Sorrow' here. It was originally produced by Jimmy Radway and released on his Fe Me Time label in the mid-1970s and remains a popular joint on the sound system circuit. Here this most classic track is paired with the iconic DJ counteraction 'Tribulation' by Big Youth, which offers a compelling glimpse into reggae's rich history while also laying down a nice fat rhythm.
Review: Habibi Funk does a great job of introducing or reacquainting the world with niche but rich musical scenes from all across the Arab world. This latest album takes us to the reggae sounds of Libya and specifically the work of Ibrahim Hesnawi, who is known amongst those who know as "The Father of Libyan Reggae." He draws on roots, dub and dancehall with a distinctive Arabic twist that plots a line from Tripoli to Kingston. This artist is so revered for the way he fused the those two musical worlds so effortlessly while colouring it with elements of jazz, soul and disco. An enchanting album that was first recorded more than 40 years ago.
Come To The Party (feat Laylah Arruda & Mad X) (4:26)
Rock Your Body Baby (feat AJ Franklin) (4:25)
Review: Dub dons The Inn House Crew keep it as real as ever with this latest outing on Southside Productions. Come to the Party is a new 45 rpm that kicks off with the title track featuring the talented vocal guests Laylah Arruda & Mad X who bring some fiery Spanish-sounding vocals to a breezy dub groove with sunny melodies and dubwise swagger. 'Rock Your Body Baby' (feat AJ Franklin) on the flip is another sunny one with a warped bassline and humid organ chords up top. The contributions from Franklin are playful and boogie-inducing with plenty of soul.
Want It Back (feat Guts & Patrice - L'Entourloop & Troy Berkley remix) (3:47)
Li Sem (feat Jessica Persee, Bouchkour, Flavia Coelho & Lidiop - L'Entourloop remix) (4:45)
Downtown (Befour Steppa) (4:58)
Weh U Come From (feat Ras demo) (3:12)
Review: This comprehensive selection brings fourteen bangers (no small fort-tune!) from L'Entourloop to our ears. This duo of hip-hop beatmakers and DJs has boasted an original and unifying sound from day dot, combining two musical confluent cousins we know work all two well: hip-hop and reggae. Now bringing several of their classics as well as a crock of original gems to an unusual but, for that reason, welcome 4x7" bundle for your listening pleasure, that's slated, in the artists' own words, to transform your evenings into a 'cheerful mess'.
Review: Lovers' rock down the yapper. First released on the Brixton-based reggae and dub distributor Studio 16 circa 1980 - as part of a series of releases by the Love & Unity alias, an in-house project of producer Winston Edwards - 'Can't Let You Go' is a joyous number to jab into the dial. With singer Sandra Cross on vocals, we're assured "I am yours and you are mine", doulbing up nicely with the resampled voicemail that appears at the start - "I just had to call you to tell you that I'll never let you go." it's an expansively melodic sound, and well deserving of its new reissue by the label, who are still going on strong.
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.
Review: 'Heavy Manners,' is a groovy summer jam 7" from Germany's premier reggae duo, Marcus I and aDUBta. This collaboration, influenced by US Soul and classic Jamaican Reggae, brings the Studio One vibe of the 1960s to life. Following their debut album Cut A Wire Showcase (2023), they now deliver this upbeat, flying-cymbal track that's sure to set any dancefloor on fire. On Side-2, a minimalist riddim "Version," perfect for DJs craving that authentic vibe. After nearly two decades as a reggae drummer, aDUBta has fully embraced the sounds of 60s to early 80s reggae, gaining international recognition with Sounds From The Attic. Marcus I's soulful vocals and sharp songwriting shine throughout, recorded at aDUBta's Attic Roots Studio. The single, mixed analogue on a Tascam 388, is primed for sound systems worldwide, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for this dynamic reggae team.
Review: Mole Audio is a new label that kicks off with Andy Martin ft. Gavsborg's 'Plato & Caves' and some serious remixes of it which drill back to the origins of the dubstep sound. The featured guest here is a massive name in the Jamaican dancehall scene and a sample of his voice was the starting point for this cut. It has his full approval and is a renegade rhythm with real bounce, as is the Nit Yardman version. Dub War's legendary Bill Fuller steps up to remix fist on the flip then comes a dubby and minimalist house version from Martin to round out a solid first EP from this label.
Review: Some super good roots here to bring some sunshine back into your life despite the freezing temps outdoors. The brilliantly talented female singer on this is Nagai and she hails from Reunion Island. Her vocal on the title tune 'Back to My Roots' is full of yearning and pained soul while the rhythm below is a clean and nimble one with nattty chords all mixed by Roberto Sanchez at A-Lone Ark Music Studio. A melon-mangling dub plus two further versions close out this fine 12".
Review: This third volume of the Disco Devil Black Ark series pulls together 6 classics from Lee "Scratch" Perry's studio. 4 discomixes and 2 vocal/dub edits - the audio on these tracks has been extensively restored from original pressings yet it allows Perry's bizarre and wonderful tricks and techniques to shine through while maintaining the raw quality that made them so real in the first place. Jamaican roots music that's imbued with plenty of ganja spirit, from tricked out and cosmic to deep and more insular, brought about by one man's brilliant work behind the boards.
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