Review: Detroit godfather Juan Atkins and Berlin techno legend Moritz Von Oswald return as Borderland, one of several collaborations since 1992 and following up their 2016 album for Tresor: the Transport LP which again consolidated both respective artist's solid studio experience, honed over the last 30 years. The funky, slightly bumpin' and absolutely addictive hi-tech soul of "Concave 1" will have you grooving away on a late night dancefloor in Berlin or beyond with its evocative and life affirming vibes. On the flip "Concave 2" further explores their studio refined sequences on this heady and hypnotic journey full of woozy arpeggios, steely rhythms and dubby bass frequencies.
Mad Professor & Dean Fraser - "Kunte Escape" (4:04)
Dean Fraser meets Mad Professor - "Silent Invaders" (4:14)
Dean Fraser meets Mad Professor - "Silent Invaders" (dub) (4:11)
Review: 'Dark Clouds' is a powerful anthem about overcoming life's toughest challenges. The song embodies resilience by conveying that victory is always possible, even in difficult times. Its uplifting melody and infectious chorus blend English, Wollof and an Arabic, African and Caribbean patois to make a unique, cross-cultural sound. Produced by the legendary Mad Professor at Ariwa Sounds, the track offers hope and strength while inspiring us to keep pushing forward despite adversity over a compelling rhythm.
Review: France and Jamaica collide on this new 12" from Brother Sound, which is now up to release number three and is managing to maintain the good early standard it set for itself. J.A. legend Max Romeo is in top form on vocals with Brother Sound stepping up for the backing and production. 'Roll It Up' is a high-speed and hard-hitting dub that hurries you into shape-shifting while the vocals add extra pressure. It comes as two other mixes then the flipside has the slower and more meandering melodies and unbalanced sounds of 'The Story' which also comes as an extended mix.
Review: .German low end collective Bass Come Save Me unleash a new 45 with a strong Portland portrait as Boomarm's Gulls makes their debut on the label with a warm beat that will keep the chills at bay this winter. Add Jamaica's Wayne Daniel on the vocals and another Portland native Madgesdiq on the conscious bars and there's a vibe that sits somewhere between Roots Manuva, YT and Wyclef. Yeah it's that toasty. Stay blessy.
Review: In 1977, singer Dhaima recorded some lovely and uplifting rockers with The Professionals at Joe Gibbs's studio, and now one of them is reissued here on the Joe Gibbs Music label, complete with a dub version from The Mighty Two. First up, Dhaima's original 'Ina Jah Children' is one of those sweet rhythms that has a breezy feel and lovely sunny melodies next to a lush and soulful female vocal, all of which pay great tribute to the one and only Jah. The dub-wise flip on the B-side is 'Save The Children' and it has some more snaking bass, hissing hi-hats and a nice unhurried vibe for lazy and loud sessions.
Review: The Liquidator Music crew have been putting out classic Jamaican rhythms ice the mid-cities and still goes strong. This is an all new one from Jamaican act Roy Ellis who sings over his backing band, Cosmic Shuffing, from Switzerland. They are acclaimed in ska and rock steady circles for good reason and help bring these tunes to life. 'Shine Your Light On Me' is an easy going roller with lo-fi drums and dusty riffs that hook you in while Ellis does his work up top. 'Merry-Go-Round' then cuts loose on a summery and swirling vibe with conversational lead trumpets and natty chords.
Paul Maiden & Manwel T - "Unconditional Style" (3:46)
Review: Yi Mas Gan is back with a new and timeless roots 7" that will keep the summer vibes alive even as Autumn begins to bite. On the a-side, this one features J.A. singer Clive Hylton who was recorded by French producer Manwel T as he did his thing on 'Show Some Love.' Empowering warrior leads rise up out of the mix as the trad reggae rhythms roll down low and his impassioned vocals ring out. Flip this one over and you will find Paul Maiden & Manwel T flipping it into a version they call 'Unconditional Style.'
Review: The mission continues here for Reservoir Dub Records who have been working most recently on putting out this one "Aim High' tune on a 10" with four different cuts from four different artists. This one features the legendary Macka B and the talented saxophonist Guru Pope bring their skills to a rhythm that was originally produced by the one and only dub-making don that is Jacin, while all the cuts have been expertly mixed by Gamma Sound's N-Tone DUB. It's a heavyweight package of fresh dub sounds with nods to the old school but plenty of new school cool.
Review: Hyped in hushed tones, the latest dubbing by studio troubadour Mad Professor has been so successfully kept under wraps, that relevant preview clips and contextual info online for it remain intentionally, ambiguously short, and relatively impervious to sleuthing. Of course, this would reflect the anxious ambivalence of wholesalers to unleash it back into to the wild; it only goes with the territory of dubplate culture! But they may have good reason to um and ahh, since this is a rare, and perhaps the only, example of a Mad Professor rerub of a Marvin Gaye tune, and not just any: it's none other than 'What's Going On?', of course! The version first surfaced on KLTY Radio and has never heard a proper release since. Avianca Dubs does the honours of ducting two versions on wax, in what is sure to be a faster-than-light shelf-clearer...
Review: Mad Professor's 'In The Name of Love' is a compelling fusion of dub and reggae, showcasing his signature production style. The track opens with a deep, resonant bassline that anchors the composition, while subtle percussion elements add rhythmic complexity. The dub version on the B-side further enhances the track's atmospheric depth, offering a more stripped-back interpretation that allows the intricate soundscapes to emerge more prominently. This release underscores Mad Professor's adeptness at blending traditional dub elements with contemporary production techniques, resulting in a track that is both rooted in the genre's history and forward-thinking in its execution.
Prince Mohammed, Joe Gibbs & The Professionals - "Backway" (2:51)
Review: The fruitful relationship between Town & Country and Studio 16 continues once more here with a brilliant 7" packed with real reggae royalty. This double-sided dancehall release from the legendary 70s producer Joe Gibbs features vocals from the one and only Madoo. He is in singjay style on a-side jam 'Backway Mr Landlord' with deep drums and psyched-out guitars that bring the rhythm to life in a vibrant fashion. On the flip, it is the trio of Prince Mohammed, Joe Gibbs & The Professionals who step up and offer their own melon-twisting dub in the form of 'Backway Mr Landlord'.
Manasseh meets The Equalizer - "Conspiracy Dub" (3:44)
Review: Nick Manasseh and Jeremy The Equalizer pillage their vast vaults for a bunch of rare dubs here that date all the way back to 1998. The spaced out and heady originals 'Next Step' and 'Next Dub', are backed by two further gems in 'The Ark' and 'Conspiracy Dub'. These two have The Equalizer on production and date from a few years later in the early 90s. All four of these solid saes are perfectly designed to be played loud and proud of proper sound systems. This is their first time on vinyl.
Review: The peerless Partial is back with some brilliantly deep cuts from Nick Manasseh and Jeremy The Equalizer. A-side cut 'Absentee' showcases a robust part-digital rhythm and some warming dub low ends that are finished in style with Danny Red's commanding vocals weaving in and out of the mix to a heady effect. The single was originally a track from their popular 1993 album, and here it is served up on 7" next to a rare B-side dub mix that fleshes things out, adds plenty of reverb, and generally makes for more horizontal and heady listening.
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: The third volume of the Strike Out Series on Bat features Emanuel and the Bionites taking on an Ikadub riddim and delivering an outstanding performance. Following their previous successful releases with Pinnacle Sound, Emanuel again showcases his talent on the dynamic Ikadub riddim and turns out something perfect for playing loud on sound systems everywhere. With 'Rumours,' Marcus I, a prolific songwriter and skilled singer, finds hit potential by crafting a powerful chorus from some new dubs. All five of these cuts have anthem potential and demand to be heard outdoors in the sunshine.
Review: Oi oi, some red hot roots here in the form of a powerful collaboration between Tuff Scout and Alex Marley. Produced and mixed by Vinney Satta at Ellis Studios in Spain and featuring backing vocals by Adriana Rogan, plus big horns by Leroy Horns, Tommy Peach, and Sam Dorrell, some fat bass by Amando Gottafunker, and nice earthy guitar by Vinney Ellis, this heavyweight track is ready to shake your nearest and loudest sound system with its dynamic energy and top-notch production. Flip it over for a nice and weighty dub version.
Review: 'Mr. Brown' is among the most coveted songs by Bob Marley and the Wailers, as it cemented the bond between Marley and Upsetter Lee 'Scratch' Perry, with the latter producing the track in his famed home studio Black Ark. Based on a popular ghost story about a spectral clown allegedly seen riding around Jamaican countryside in a three-wheeled coffin (three vultures were said to have been perched on top of the coffin, one looking for a 'Mr. Brown'), the song takes thorough advantage of popular folk consciousness in its spooky production and stick-in-your-mind charm. This 12" version also comes with the melodic plodders 'Natural Mystic' and 'The Heathen'.
Review: Stix Records is the sub-label of superb French outlet Favorite Recordings, and it is reserved for heavy dub cuts. This one finds label regular Mato reworking a classic reggae roller first written by Kool & The Gang. His gorgeous version is perfect for hot summer nights with its languid Fender Rhodes leads and sun kissed beats. It's loved up and perfectly, frankly. On the flip is a reggae rework of Bill Withers', who is sadly no long with us, 'Use Me,' repackaged with a playful harmonica lead and more grinding chords over the gently tumbling beats.
What You Won't Do For Love (Mato Mellow Reggae mix) (4:03)
What You Won't Do For Love (Mato dub version) (4:03)
Review: Thomas Blanchot has been casting a spell with his sun-soaked reggae renditions as Mato for a long time now. He's back on his regular stomping ground of Stix with a beautiful version of Roy Ayers' evergreen 'What You Won't Do For Love', with Ethel Lindsey taking on the role as singer to complement Blanchot's sweet and easy riddim. It's a tune primed to greet the warmer weather, staying faithful to the original while giving it a fresh spin. As well as the full vocal version on the A-side, we know full well you're going to love flipping it over for the consummate dub version on the B-side.
Review: Cover songs can sometimes be difficult to tackle for an artist and even more so if it's a completely different genre. However, lending a fresh reggae twist to Toto's classic hit makes for a a great example of a successful one here. On side one, the English version of 'Georgy Porgy' features a laid-back, smooth reggae rhythm, with the iconic guitar hook reimagined as a reggae riff, giving the song a relaxed while still infectious vibe. Ethel Lindsey's soothing vocals blend seamlessly with the rhythm section, making this rendition feel both familiar and unique. On side two, the French version offers a delightful variation, with Ethel Lindsey's vocals taking on a slightly different tone, fitting the language while adding an extra layer of charm. The reggae influences remain strong and the song's laidback vibe is preserved on both versions.
Review: Stix Records, a sub-label of Favorite Recordings, presents the second release from its new Mellow Reggae Series project. Launched earlier this year by Mato & Ethel Lindsey, with a stunning cover of the famous 'What You Won't Do For Love' by Bobby Caldwell, the series continues with the same duo, now taking over 'Baby Come Back', the underground AOR/Blue-Eyed-Soul classic from The Player. Like he always does, Mato delivers an outstanding version, delighting us with his matchless skills for dub production. Already matching on Bobby Caldwell's rendition, Ethel Lindsey ensures yet again the perfect vocals over Mato's production.
You Can't Turn Me Away (Mato Mellow Reggae mix) (3:53)
You Can't Turn Me Away (Mato dub version) (3:54)
Review: Thomas Blanchot aka Mato's love for reggae runs deep. His love for soul music is just as equal. So, what should a producer do who enjoys making original music but also enjoys the art of sampling? Use both! Known for creating reggae/dub versions and then using popular lyrics sung by a guest vocalist over the top of them, giving the original versions a new life and sometimes, a completely different feeling, in some ways working even better than the original. Here, Mato takes the 1981 hit by Sylvia Striplin 'You Can't Turn Me Away' and a super laid back reggae rhythm underneath as a base. And it works so well. Complete with the dub version for the DJs. Sit back and relax to these interesting examples of a stylish way to take mashups to a different higher level.
Review: Treasured icons of the early British reggae scene, Matumbi are best remembered as the first successful band of the mighty Dennis Bovell, which speaks volumes for how serious these guys were during their run in the late 70s and early 80s. Of their many classic singles, one of the finest is surely this double A side, which leads with the balmy, lilting shuffle of 'Music In The Air'. It's a dubbed out, heady brew that gets right under your skin. On the flip, 'Guide Us' is a low slung skanker with equal amounts of mysticism rubbed into its joints, not to mention some stellar guitar work from Bovell himself. Quite simply an outstanding shot of UK reggae magic.
Review: Old Hard Bread is back with a new and limited edition 45rpm that features the second single from Matumbi. It was originally pressed back in 1973 via Duke Records and was produced by the still very much relevant and now legendary Dennis Bovell. Only 350 copies of this 7" have been pressed so move quickly because they are sure to be snapped up fast. 'Wipe Them Out' is textbook roots with loved up vocals paying homage to Babylon and 'Go Back Home' is another organic and earthy lament.
Review: Wise Records has lined up another super outing here in the form of the Max Romeo Sings Classics EP. Featuring fresh renditions of timeless hits like 'Kingston Town,' 'Man Next Door,' and 'No Place Like Home,' these cuts were recorded with Max's touring band during a break between French tour dates. Renowned producer Dennis Bovell handled the mixing, promising a blend of Max Romeo's signature style with a touch of innovation from the legendary Bovell.
Review: Wayne McArthur, Conscious Sounds, Lizzi Bee and Vibronics join their considerable forces for this limited edition new slab of roots vinyl. The EP features version tunes and versions starting with 'Elo Ah Him' which is a silky blend of coming vocals, happy horns and yearning vocals. Conscious Sounds serve up tasteful dub and sax versions and Lizzi Bee's contribution adds an extra layer of energy, blending modern rhythms with classic reggae roots. Vibronics close out with a couple of digi-dub reworks that are clean and fresh.
Tommy McCook & The Supersonics - "Adam Twelve" (4:14)
The Supersonics - "Mr Peckings Your Time" (3:08)
Review: Tommy McCook's funky brass-rock tribute to US cop dramas showcases his mastery of instrumental reggae and he blends jazz influences with deep and soulful grooves. Bets known for his work with The Skatalites, McCook delivers a high-energy, cinematic vibe here through powerful horn arrangements that channel the excitement of classic TV cop shows. Alongside this, the Peckings label's tweak on Ernest Ranglin's work has been enhanced by Bitty McLean sessions and brings a fresh touch to Ranglin's timeless guitar-driven reggae. This collaboration breathes new life into classic Jamaican sounds and merges rich tradition with a modern twist.
Freddy McGregor & One Vibe Band - "No Competition" (3:32)
Joe Gibbs & The Professionals - "Don't Try It" (3:14)
Review: Freddie McGregor's 'No Competition', originally released in 1981, is a rare gem from the roots and lovers rock scene that has been gaining renewed attention in the underground. Now here reissued, this track showcases McGregor's smooth and timeless reggae style, reminiscent of Bob Marley's classic sound. Backed by the One Vibe Band, McGregor delivers a classy, uplifting reggae tune that radiates warmth and authenticity, marking it as a standout in his extensive catalogue. On the flip side, Joe Gibbs & The Professionals provide 'Don't Try It', an instrumental counterpart that offers a stripped-down version of the original. Their rendition is a deep, mostly instrumental dub version that emphasises rhythm and bass, allowing the groove to take center stage.
Review: Freddie McKay's classic rocksteady track 'Going' hears a reissue on Jamaican Recordings, the very same label that first released in back in 2004. A sad rumination on death and freedom, we hear McKay croon through a ghostly spring reverb and an sprightly rhythm section, as he considers the "moon in the sky" and "the birds in the trees" as vessels for his own emancipation. So too comes the rare instrumental version on the B-side, though this reissue skips the original's shared side with Ronnie Davis, focusing solely on McKay.
Review: The Top Ranking crew has pulled another doozy out of the bag here. Freddie McKay's 'Mope & Cry' finds the vocalist at his most vulnerable and expressive. It was originally released in 1974 during the golden era of Jamaican music and is steeped in rich harmonies with a rolling bassline with gently skanking guitar that cushions McKay's aching vocals. With a voice that effortlessly conveys sorrow and resilience, he delivers a timeless tale of love lost and emotional survival. The killer dub on the flip makes this one a no-brainer.
Review: Sunset's reissue series of Harry J releases continues with this gem from the late, great Freddie McKay's 1986 collaboration with The Jah Apostles, one of the last productions to feature the singer - who seamlessly navigated from the early ska days right up to the digital era - before his untimely death in November of the same year. McKay's soulful vocals ride effortlessly over the Apostles' mesmerising rhythms here, meaning that it is impossible not to be transported listeners to the golden shores of Jamaica at sundown. As is so often with the case with reggae, there's a dubbed out version on the flip - we wouldn't have it any other way.
Review: The Goodies label makes its bow here with a fully licensed 7" that features the Enos McLeod tune 'Ram Jam Party' backed with 'Rammed'. The former was the opening and title track from the Jamaican reggae singer's 1996 album. It is impassioned lovers' rock with his yearning and vulnerable vocals over clean reggae rhythms, with bright chords and lumpy drums and bass. The flip is a dub version with crispy hits and digital synths paired with the natty guitar riffs and organic piano chords. This is a good start and augurs well for the future of this label.
Review: Christine McNabb's UK lovers' 12" soul rarity, 'Love You / Combination', originally self-released in 1981. With backing vocals from Caron Wheeler, Black Slate's rhythm section and the in-house musicians at Eve Studios in Brockley, South London, this is a highly toned waft of steam; McNabb sings in a whistle register, insisting we're her one and only as she launches into a bopping improvisation near the midpoint, as an irresistible funk line chugs below, aplomb. 'Combination' is the name of the minimalised instrumental version: both tracks are standalone greats, and draw their inspirations from Afropop icons like Miriam Makeba, despite there being some crossover and cash-in on the emerging UK lovers' rock market.
Review: Meditations Music has decided to launch with a couple of hot reggae drops in quick succession. This second one looks to the rootsy dub sounds of The Meditations. It could well be a reissue of a long-lost classic, such is the authentic nature of the sounds and rhythms but no, this is all-new heat featuring Ansel Cridland with Sly Dunbar and Jerry Johnson. Their snaking and hissing leads and meandering bass are the foundations for the freeform vocals. As you would expect, on the reverse side you will find a sick dub that goes heavy on echo and reverb.
Seargent Pepper - "Dub & Rub Ina Imitation Way" (7:44)
Review: Mellow Rose and Seargent Pepper's 'Imitation Love' proved a big-hitting reggae 45rpm when it first dropped and so now it has been reissued on this sweet, limited edition red vinyl 12". It first came on Studio 16 back in August of last year and is already worth a pretty penny on second hand markets. The A-side is a super sweet lover's rock sound with falsetto vocals up top, acoustic guitars and fleshy low ends sinking you into a romantic rhythm. On the flip, Seargent Pepper gets to work on 'Dub And Rub Ina Imitation Way' which is more sci-fi and futuristic in its sound designs, all with a hazy and stoner edge.
Review: This is a mad decent debut release from veteran musical assistant Meroe "G," also known as Record Shop Roy. This original composition, 'Can't Pay Won't Pay,' was penned by A.G. Marshall and the package also features the legendary Big Youth who delivers the powerful 'Sufferers Cry' vocal in a single striking take- he manages to capture raw emotion with seemingly effortless ease. Next to him, the track boasts an impressive lineup of talent including drums from Horseman, Steven Wright aka Marley on guitar, keys from Henry Holder, saxman Richard Doswell and David Fullwood on trumpet with Paul Kelly adding percussion next to Meroe "G" on vocals and bass. This is a deep, rootsy package crafted with care and spirit that demands to be pumped loud through your best amps.
Review: Messengers is a young label already doing great work and this second outing comes from Spanish artist Message and takes the form of a superb new instrumental roots rocker. What makes it really pop is the fine featured guest Gorka 'Junior G' Fernandez who bring some magic on lead trombone. Behind him we're treated to the full and unstoppable force of the A-Lone Ark players who master their instruments once more and make this one another schooling tune. It comes as a nice heady dub on the flip-side too, of course.
Review: The 'Gates Of Zion (Dub)' is a time-honoured fixture of the catalogue of Yabby You (real name Vivian Neville Jackson), the reggae vocalist and producer whose largely autodidactic and self-released work lent him a special credo during dub's 1970s heyday. With the original first appearing as a collaboration with Scientist and Michael Prophet on the album At The Dub Station in 1981, under the name 'Free Up Your Heart', the versions featured here on this imprint is far colder and less forgiving, skilfully working in snake-rattly curios and percussive oddities into a backbeat that effortlessly complements You's ghostly vocal delivery. Not one to be missed, 'Gates Of Zion' truly produces the feeling of approaching utopia's vine-leaved entrance; you, too, might get a pass, provided you add this one to your collection.
Review: A rare gem resurfaces with this intriguing reissue of Gates Of Zion, courtesy of the original producer Dubmaster. Originally released on Greensleeves, this repress delves deeper into the history, showcasing the very first cut recorded at the legendary Channel One in the 70s, which has never seen the light of day until now. The tapes were later taken to Tuff Gong, where the iconic rhythm duo Sly and Robbie added their magic, turning it into the version fans know today. This is more than just a reissueiit's a piece of serious music history that captures the essence of reggae's golden era.
The Professionals - "Ghetto Living" (version) (3:13)
Review: The Joe Gibbs and Studio 16 labels combine to put out two gloriously soul-enriching sounds here on a tidy 7". The Mighty Diamonds are often said to be one of the best roots harmony groups to have ever emerged from the island of Jamaica. For proof of their brilliance look no further than this late 70s cut 'Ghetto Living' which has super sweet vocals over a nice heavy and earthy dub reggae rhythm. On the flip, the whole thing gets dubbed up and psyched out by the one and only Errol T. Lovely stuff for warm evenings and lazy afternoons.
Review: Miss You's latest release is a reissue of an arguably under-celebrated lovers rock gem from 1989. Copies of the original 12" have been changing hands for rather a lot online of late, hence this new edition. The original version which opens the EP is everything you'd want from a lovers rock cut: warm, dreamy, soulful and synth-heavy with plenty of bass, nice horns and a superbly emotional lead vocal from the obscure Louisa Miller. The "Dance Mix" is effectively a dub, with Miller's sweet vocal rising above a stripped-back, toughened-up drum track with plenty of delays and trippy synthesizer motifs, while the "Sax Version" is a saxophone-sporting, mostly instrumental that veers a little closer to "Pages From Ceefax" territory (kids: ask your parents). In summary: superb!
Review: 'John Jones' dropped in 1968 on the Big Shot label after being produced and co-written by Derrick Harriott. It soon became a cult hit on the UK skinhead scene, its relentless rhythm and sharp lyrics making it an obvious anthem that was further cemented by its inclusion in the Tighten Up series. Impersonators then step up on the B-side with the yearning vocal reggae of 'I've Tried Before.' It's a lo-fi sound with hissing hi-hats and bubbling rhythms full of earthy soul. Rarely found in clean 7" copies, this one, so don't sniff at it.
Review: Nkrumah Jah Thomas's label The Midnight Rock was a cornerstone of exceptional productions in early Jamaican music. As a savvy producer, Thomas maximised his rhythms and created numerous records for a variety of artists. He emerged at the perfect time and recorded breakthrough tracks in top studios like Channel One, often with the Roots Radics. While many of his sessions were released, some remained unreleased, trapped on multi-track tape. One such session featured Sugar Minott, known for his hit 'Good Thing Going.' Thomas has crafted fresh mixes from these sessions with this single addressing gun violence and featuring a vibrant Radics rhythm and a new dub on the flip side.
Review: South Africa-born, United States-based Brendon Weller is one of dub techno's finest modern day practitioners. he has been endlessly exploring the form for years but never falls short of fresh ideas. Here he offers up his latest 12" on EchoLTD. It begins with 'Rescue Me' which is smoky, deep and atmospheric with rattling hits and chords submerging you way beneath the surface.A'YassQueen' then taps into an orignal dub ethos with rumbling bass and heady harmonica sounds floating amongst wispy pads. 'Scorching' stays fully horizontal and is a vast empty space with patient bass and drums and 'How Love Is Your Deep' ends with another heady exploration of empty space and slow motion rhythm.
Review: After the vital release of the Classical Roots Showcase, this reggae imprint is back with the reissue f a much mythologised roots cut from Monyka. It comes backed with the proper dubplate mixes for the first time. 'Rocking Time' is a heavy one with liquid chords and sultry horns topped with a smoky vocal, then the version makes things even more liquid and deep. 'Questions Of Life' is a real slow-motion dub bubbler with plenty of classic hallmarks - dry hi-hats, rippling bass and a great hook.
Review: There are seemingly no limits to the music Emotional Rescue will put out. This time they look back to the post punk scene of Bristol in the early 80s. Mouth was a short-lived outfit that put out just a couple of releases, but each one blazed a trail though leftfield percussive sounds, wave, weird jazz and electronics. Andy Guy and Rob Merrill were the main members with the likes of Nellie Hooper also in the band's orbit. This record is packed with tribal drumming and floating horns, broken dubs and avant-jazz but all with a proudly DIY attitude. It's packed with heady moments and wild steppers that havent aged a bit and still sound future.
Review: Cultured dub technician and minimal man Sebastian Mullaert returns with K-Files, a vinyl-only label launched in collaboration with longtime ally Ulf Eriksson of Kontra Musik. He says that each release centres on one track reimagined through multiple distinct versions, thereby offering DJs and deep listeners tools for exploration, mood and transformation. The debut is a spacious, dub-infused trip that demands patience and full immersion, from the gauzy chord texture of 'Track 1', to the loud, smeared leads of 'Track 2' via the more propulsive drum rumbles and tumbling percussion of 'Track 3'. The final interpretation is a heavy ambient soundscape dense with melancholy.
Review: This laid-back dub 45 offers a seamless blend of positive vibes and deep rhythms. Side-1 features a classic reggae track with a powerful, uplifting message of unity. Mundell's smooth vocals are complemented by a steady, groovy rhythm that captures the essence of roots reggae. Side-2 takes the message to a more instrumental and dub-infused space, with the track being heavily dubbed out, showcasing intricate rhythms, echo effects and atmospheric layers. The dub version allows the music to breathe, emphasizing its meditative and expansive qualities. A perfect pairing for dub and reggae enthusiasts.
Review: After his silky-smooth vocal feature on Eva Lazarus' Light As Feather, it was inevitable that Mungo's Hi Fi would pursue a project with London-based pure sing-jay Kiko Bun. Ms. Burnett is an ode to a lady friend of distinction, atop a dreamy major key rhythm whose bass-heavy clarity could have come out of Jamaica's Channel One studio in its glory days.
Review: Sound Of Thunder outta France lands at release number ten here with another gorgeous slice of lovers rock on 45rpm. It features contemporary producers and vocalists Loic Paulin & The SOA offering up A-side single 'Jason White'. At less than three minutes it is the definition of short but sweet but in that time it manages to make its mark with the yearning vocals really hitting home next to nice heat-damaged organ chords and a classic reggae rhythm. On the flip, Mellowmood spins out the sounds via plenty of mixing desk tweaks on his version 'Poor Jason Dub'.
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