Review: Polish dub home-brewers Moonshine Recordings have commissioned an exceptional new release here from Bukkha, Dubbing Sun and Burro Banton; 'A1 Sound' really is more than worthy of its pronounced place at the top of the list, thanks to its unique fusion of heavyweight steppers dub production and a hardcore, doubletime beat worthy of any warehouse rave. The track bares an unusual push-pull, and it seamlessly introduces the A3 jungle mix too, whose tempo and pace matches the first two versions' dragged weightiness. But here it's all three artists' productive synergies that shine, the original mix flaunting a restlessly fickle fencing between hardcore techno, brusque rap-jaying and nu system dub, never totally settling on either sound.
Review: First released way back in 1982 on Greensleeves, Eek-A-Mouse's 'Ganja Smuggling' is a towering example of early 80s "singjaying", a style of reggae vocal improv made popular by its combination of toasting and singing. Here we open with an asphyxial, spitballing steppers sound, as 'Mouse is heard scatting and bidi-bonging in his signature opening style, shortly before launching into a cautionary tale about working as a border lines marijuana smuggler. The track deals in a stoic, forborne whimsy, comically scatting and riff-licking through what is implicitly portrayed as an otherwise thankless and unforgiving task. This 7" reissue marks an important milestone in Greensleeves' release catalogue, harking back to one of Eek's earliest cuts laid down with kingpin producer Henry "Junjo" Lawes, the association with whom helped fuel Eek's early celebrity.
Review: Fly T is back on the Japanese label Ninjapan Music with a beguiling two-tracker on 7". 'JapaNepal' brings a world mix of sounds including dub and sun continental rhythms, exotic flutes and some unique take on ragga vocals. It's a colourful and playful cut with a hefty low end that will be a standout cut in any set. '567' (Tengaku dub mix) is a psyched-out and deep dub with an Indian twist and bottomless bass. Two brilliantly original cuts for sure.
Review: Footsie is widely thought of as one of grime's most legendary voices and a legend of the game. From his early collaborations with D Double E as part of Newham Generals to his solo work, his roots in sound system culture run deep having grown up as the son of a system operator. Footsie was heavily influenced by reggae and dub and now runs his father's renowned King Original Sound. Returning to the label is Nottingham's Adam Prescott, who provides a heavy, dubwise riddim for Footsie to showcase his distinctive flow.
Review: 'Wow War Tonight' is a cover by Amano Airi and Himegami Shano, originally performed by H Jungle with T. The lively track served as the ending theme for the anime D4DJ First Mix. Tetsuya Komuro and in addition to solo versions by Amano Airi and Himegami Shano, a special version featuring Call of Artemis was included in their debut album in 2023. This 7" features a playful Two Million mix and a Karaoke version of the original. It's lively and unique, to say the least.
Review: Sonic gastronomists come therapists Ital Counselor serve the scene as musical physicians, prognosing the soul food hygiene ratings of each dub bit that comes their way, as they see fit. On the releasing side of things, however, their output meets the consistent quality of whatever the reggae equivalent of a Michelin star is. Welcoming reggaeist, melodica player and vocalist Hughie Izachaar to the fold for a debut single release after a ridonkulous string of releases kept steady since the early 1980s, 'Do You Really Know' carries an authentic vintage charm and yet is actually a brand new track; it hears Izachaar singjay with a birdlike glide, impressively navigating a bouncy dub firmament, using the genre's characteristic elegiac vibe to ask us if we really know what it's like to know righteousness. We're only a chosen few, after all...
Review: Dennis Anthony Thomas is known as King Kong and is the celebrated Jamaican singer behind hits like 'Trouble Again' and 'Legal We Legal.' His track 'Song of Love' was originally released by Pisces Productions and is a rare gem and a powerful anti-apartheid anthem. The song confronts South Africa's apartheid regime, referencing President P.W. Botha while urging unity and human rights. Through themes of love and resilience, King Kong highlights the strength of cultural solidarity in a tune that is rooted in reggae's tradition of political advocacy. As such 'Song of Love' transcends music and symbolises global support for freedom.
Natural Numbers - "Wicked Can't Run" (feat U Brown) (4:00)
Thomass Jackson - "Numeris Vienas" (5:04)
Changa Boys - "Jaar Jaar Dub" (feat Ndiaxo Dal Jaam) (4:56)
Review: Invisible Inc's latest compilation EP, Mondo Ritmo, is a rhythmic exploration that spans the globe, featuring diverse influences from Latin and Afro to dub, dancehall, and acid. Building on the momentum of last year's Mondo Organico, this release places a strong emphasis on percussion and rhythm, making it a compelling addition to the label's catalog. The EP kicks off with 'Cabasa Loca' by Mytron & Balam, a track that's already proven its dancefloor prowess, with label head GK Machine spinning it regularly at his Wrong Party nights. Tom Chasteen's 'Wicked Can't Run,' a house and dancehall fusion, also stands out, featuring Jamaican legend U Brown and mixed by the iconic David Harrow. While the remaining tracks might not be peak-time anthems, they offer something for the more adventurous listener. Thomass Jackson, Thomash, and GATS, as Changa Boys, deliver a rich percussive experience with Senegalese drummer Ndiaxo dal Jaam, while Congo Caveman assists on the mysterious Machine's contribution. Mondo Ritmo is a vibrant, eclectic compilation that promises to captivate both seasoned dancers and rhythm enthusiasts alike.
Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos (feat Chuck D - live) (3:17)
Collective Mode (feat Audio Active) (3:40)
Review: Legendary UK band Asian Dub Foundation marks its 30th anniversary in 2024 and to celebrate three decades of groundbreaking music and activism the band is embarking on an extensive European tour in featuring over 60 shows. Over the years, they've delivered thousands of unforgettable performances, released nine studio albums and championed social and educational causes that continue to define their mission. All that is embodied here with a special album, 94-Now: Collaborations, which showcases their iconic partnerships throughout the years. The album is packed with their futurist dub 'scapes and further cements their legacy as pioneers.
Review: Big Red is a legendary artist from French reggae group Raggasonic who here presents Blood & Victory, a powerful album that blends sound system culture with modern dub. Released by Evidence Music, it showcases ten original tracks that unite reggae roots with contemporary bass influences. Collaborating with top French dub producers like OnDubGround, Little Lion Sound and Irie Ites, Big Red toasts over a dynamic mix of immersive rhythms. With socially charged lyrics addressing racism, police violence and societal flaws, his inimitable flow brings energy and emotion to Blood & Victory which is more than music-it's a manifesto for resistance and revolution.
Review: Ewart Brown, aka Cobra (later better known as Mad Cobra), released the Goldmine LP in 1993 on Prince Jazzbo's Ujama label. This marks the first LP pressing for a collection of dubbed-out versions, highlighting Jazzbo's unique production style. The album showcases the engineering talents of Albert Thompson, aka Junior Chemist, at I&I Recording Studios, alongside Delroy Thompson, also known as the prolific mastering engineer Spiderman. This collaboration captures the essence of 90s dub with a masterful blend of engineering and production expertise.
Review: Fifteen years after its original release, Guns Don't Kill People: Lazers Do by Major Lazer remains a genre-defying triumph. The duo, made up of Diplo and Switch, threw dancehall, reggae and electro-disco into a blender and created something entirely unique. Tracks like 'Hold the Line' (featuring Mr. Lexx and Santogold) and 'Cash Flow' stand out, blending Jamaican influences with forward-thinking production. Now reissued on clear vinyl with stickers, this gatefold 2xLP edition brings back the raw, energetic essence of one of the most eclectic dancehall albums ever made.
Review: This Ninjapan Music Vinyl Sampler album from Japanese label Ninjapan Music is a well-assembled dive into the roster of artists they have been working with. It is their first vinyl outing and is a diverse mix of names from across a wide dub spectrum, all of whom reflect the label's commitment to pushing creative boundaries. Each track comes with some innovative production techniques that merge Japanese dub influences with contemporary beats and rhythms. Perfect for a wide range of settings, it features the likes of Any Guppy, Dan Lj, Tikaros, Mifyah and more.
Beres Hammond & Sugar Minott & Tony Rebel - "Where Is The Love" (3:59)
Charlie Chaplin & Josey Wales - "Swing Low" (4:05)
Luciano & Sizzla - "Jah Line" (4:29)
Luciano - "Chant Out" (3:57)
Sizzla - "No White God" (4:10)
Mikey General - "Sinners" (4:32)
Cocoa Tea & Tony Rebel - "Grow Your Locks" (3:54)
Luciano & Mutabaruka - "Psalms 24" (4:17)
Capleton - "Stand Tall" (4:12)
Luciano & Marcia Griffiths - "Hold On Natty" (3:59)
Prince Malachi & Turbulance - "We Praise Jah" (4:50)
Review: Phillip "Fatis" Burrell was a visionary producer who discovered and nurtured many of Jamaica's top reggae artists, including Luciano, Sizzla, and Capleton. A devout Rastafarian, Fatis demanded integrity from his artists and held them to high standards. He founded the Xterminator label, known for its tough yet soulful music and worked with legendary musicians like Sly & Robbie. Fatis formed a strong partnership and friendship with many reggae greats and collaborated on albums that shaped reggae's international presence. His sudden death at 59 left a deep void, but his legacy lives on through his music and his children, no least with this great compilation.
Review: This wonderful reissue of Yellowman & Fathead's classic 1982 album comes pressed on 180 gram yellow vinyl complete with an insert. It's a real reggae jam that features a unique collaboration between the legendary Jamaican reggae artists and blends Yellowman's iconic dancehall style with Fathead's distinct contributions. The tracks are infused with humour, romance and playful energy that captures the essence of early 80s reggae. A must-have if you love authentic Jamaican sounds, this Burning Sounds gem is sure to bring plenty of new ears to a timeless album full of charisma and chemistry between two of reggae's most influential figures.
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.