New releases last four weeks: Dancehall/Ragga

Review: Four sides of cavernous, postmodern dub inna year 3000 style from the UK soundsystem circuit's hottest boyband: Mark Iration, Dennis Rootical & Rico O.B.F. The trio combine their years of experience crafting box rattling anthems, bringing a new irreverence, sparkle, and poppy playfulness to the classic UK roots template. This really shines through on cuts such as 'Calling Jahova' where washes of buzzsaw synth and Sheffield-type bleeps call to mind Gregory Isaacs' early 90s proto-grime oeuvre, and more austere bangers like the aptly named 'Serious Time', where trappy hi hat flurries and savage anvil snares offer up a taste of unashamed 00s steppa nostalgia, while also deftly channelling O.B.F.'s hip hop influence. Great cover too!

Review: Prince Fatty makes a triumphant return with the Artikal Intelligence LP, recorded alongside The Supersized Band in South London. The album boasts 10 tracks spread across two sides, featuring an impressive lineup of vocalists including Cornell Campbell, Big Youth, Marcia Griffiths, Earl 16, Winston Francis, Omar, Shniece, Nina Miranda, Horseman, and Fatlip. With a stellar cast, heavy low ends you would expect and plenty of infectious energy, this album demands to be played loud and promises to captivate with its blend of reggae, soul, and inventive rhythms.