Review: Blimey, if this isn't major meeting of musical Midas minds then we don't know what is. Alter Echo, E3 and Headland all collaborating with legendary dub flautist Diggory Kenrick. "Temple Duel" sets the scene in deep underground chambers, untouched by the sun. Reverb space is our only guide and ritual combat is the only way out as we make our way through subsonic 808 bass foundations, a near-industrial mid-range bass guitar groove, stiff snares, stick-fighting percussion and Diggory's torchlight melody. A truly fluid hypnotic narrative that arcs through the dark, if you're looking for an even foggier route flip for "Temple Dub" where the torch is extinguished and you have nothing but your sonic wits to take you home. Only Diggory knows if you make alive or not...
Review: Lempuyang's third offering is an outstanding split release between Steve O'Sullivan & Hydergine, label bosses for Mosaic/Bluetrain & Ranges. In 'Binary Riddim' Steve delivers a two-part dub track spanning >13 minutes, seriously heavy in the low end; melancholy strings in the first half, progressing to outright menacing chord stabs in the latter. A versatile track offering something for both warm-up and the dancefloor. Complimenting on the flip are 'Mystic Light' and 'Lunar Eclipse' from Hydergine. Deep, dubby atmospherics meander over a weighty 909 kick on B1. Subtle minimalism a la Terrence Dixon, pitched down on B2. Essential release!
Review: Mole Audio present a very special new quart of tracks from Daktari (Oliver Linge & Olaf Pozsgay), who've teamed up for a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration with vocalist and dub legend Horace Andy for an original set of versions. Actually, it's a welcome comeback for both artists; Daktari also haven't released anything since the brilliant back-to-back waxes for Luxus in 1997, then 1999. Now that the Y2K scare has abated (25 years later, no doubt) Daktari are back with 'Rasta Forever', which moves minimally and spatiously, and manages to sound much "slower" than its dancehall tempo would initially betray. Andy's star line has to be, "we don't smoke spliff, we smoke chalice," alluding to the kind of cannabis smoking pipe often used by Rastafari. Alt mixes from DB ART, Rhauder, and Zion Train transition from greezier dancehall, to something more dub technical, to a bubblers' delight in a more classic sound; all do stellar reparative justice to Andy's towering, implicit demand for dues and honour paid, and, true to the Daktari name, prove amply effective at remedying our symptoms.
Review: Having already introduced us to many of their regular 'pals' - re-editors specialising in Balearic and cosmic oddities - Manchester's Drum Chums crew now wants is to meet their 'percussion pals'. They operate within similar sonic territory if this first multi-artist missive is believed, albeit with more of a penchant for dubbed-out drums. There's plenty to set the oulse racing throughout, from the metronomic dub-chug of Spice Route's incredible 'Gruler Dub' - a fine re-edit debut from the long-serving Bristol selector - and the expertly dubbed-out space disco trip that is DJ Pouffsouffle's 'Totally Manic'. Elsewhere, Manc stalwart Neil Diablo delivers the ultra-slow weird-wave pop of 'Starry Night', while Hysteric's 'Pinball' is a blue-eyed soul treat.
Derrick Harriott & The Tamlins & Joy White & Reasons & U-Brown - "Christmas Songbook" (11:27)
The Chariot Riders - "Christmas Songbook" (instrumental dub Style) (11:32)
Review: Lifelong reggae fans, vinyl lovers and frequent Juno readers will be familiar with Crystal D's Reggae Disco mix series. It was a 70s thing where artists served up their own unique reggae versions of Christmas classics and now we get volume 17 of the Christmas Songbook. This one comes on 12" in hand-stamped sleeve and the A-side is an 11+ minute collection of tunes from Derrick Harriott & The Tamlins & Joy White & Reasons & U-Brown with natty chords, sleigh bells and choral reggae vocals. What a mix. In authentic reggae fashion, the flip side is a dub of the whole lot by The Chariot Riders.
Review: The all new Motive label is serving up its second 7" here and it comes in the form of a brand new tune from the great singer and musician Jerry Harris. He is best known for his famous association with the legendary Wackies label and studio and here appearing with a slightly older, more smoky tone than back in the day, he sure knows how to lay down a top line over a nice rumbling dub rhythm. Some twinkling synths add colour and on the flip the whole thing is pulled apart, slowed down and dubbed out with some mad effects.
Review: This hot new 7" allows you to experience a classic cut from UK dub pioneers Nucleus Roots featuring the iconic voice of Don Hartley. This brand new pressing presents a fuller, heavier vocal mix of a track originally released on their 2003 CD album and later as a sought-after 12" single. Now, for the first time, this fresh vocal mix comes on its own 45rpm alongside the classic meditation dub from their 2006 CD album, Heart Of Dub. Both cuts go seriously deep with modern synth touches and soothing rasta vocals sinking you into a fine and meditative sound.
Review: Healing Force Project is prolific Italian artist Antonio Marini. Over the last decade he has dropped plenty of heat on the likes of Firecracker, Berceuse Heroique, 2 Headed Deer, Random Numbers and more. Drifted Entities Vol 1 is his latest offering and is an experimental take on dub, cosmic funk, jazz and drum & bass with the HFP signature unifying it all. 'Tiny Germs' opens up on dark, sparse drums that are kinda haunting then 'Upbeat Damage' is a deconctructed jungle jazz cut with squealing synths that bring the horror. The flip side continues in that eerie manner with fresh musicality and loose arrangements drawing you in.
Review: The Heptones nailed it when they laid down 'Party Time', an enduring classic that now gets a reissue that will be welcome news to many fans of the hard-to-find original. This timeless reggae classic was originally released in 1977 and features The Heptones' signature harmonies, soulful melodies and roots reggae rhythms. It is paired on the flip with Bobby Kalphat's smooth melodica-driven production on the gene that is 'Zin Hill' which has laid-back vibes, sunny melodies and lo-fi aesthetics that make it all the more lovable.
Joe Gibbs & The Professionals - "The Road Is Rough" (2:58)
Review: When reggae vocalists The Heptones joined legendary producer Joe Gibbs, they collaborated with the Now Generation band to create the incredible track 'Hypocrites.' This truly lovely song stands out as one of The Heptones' finest works while also being a standout reggae classic. The track captures a powerful message and features Leroy's heartfelt performance over lovely organ work and catchy ridders. This notable period in The Heptones' career was preserved on two exceptional albums released by Joe Gibbs, including Heptones and Friends which is well worth finding for a showcase of their impressive work from the era.
Review: Manchester's Hidden Spheres becomes the latest artist to showcase his cosmic, percussion-heavy reworks and re-edits on Talking Drums' offshoot Drum Chums. As you'd expect, the sometime Lobster Theremin, Moods & Grooves and Rhythm Section International producer is in fine form from the off, delivering ear-catching, mildly Balearic reworks of genuine obscurities. The highlight for us is 'Stolen', a version of an early South African kwaito number that's big on proto-house bass, densely layered percussion, lo-fi synth melodies and fine lead vocals. Over on the reverse, 'You Better Dance' is a deliciously dreamy, reggae-influenced, mid-tempo Afro-Balearic treat, while 'Together' sounds like a re-wire of an eccentric bit of mid-to-late '80s bubblegum brilliance.
Review: Jamwax breathes new life into a rare and evocative track from Justin Hinds, a heavyweight roots reggae masterpiece that embodies the spirit and teachings of Marcus Garvey. A-side 'Marcus Tradition" delivers a powerful message of tradition and heritage, driven by a down-tempo riddim and distinctive whistle. The flipside offers a dubwise reimagining, stripping back the vocals to reveal the hypnotic depths of the instrumental arrangement. This reissue is a testament to Jamwax's dedication to preserving Jamaican musical heritage, honouring both Hinds' artistry and Garvey's enduring legacy. A must-have for any roots reggae enthusiast or those seeking to connect with the powerful message of Marcus Garvey.
Review: A 7" that delivers a hypnotic fusion of dub, broken beat and experimental soundscaping, reinforcing the Trule label's reputation for pushing sonic boundaries. The trioiAllen Wootton, Susumu Mukai and Valentina Magalettiicraft a release that feels both deeply rooted in tradition and strikingly forward-thinking.
'Ambulance Dub' unfolds with cavernous echoes, weighty basslines and fractured rhythms, creating an atmosphere that feels almost otherworldly. Layers of percussive textures and swirling dissonance shape a track that constantly shifts yet remains immersive. On the flip side, 'The Bigger Tutti' refines this approach into a slick instrumental, nodding to the deep, textural brilliance of On-U Sound. The crisp production and rich dub aesthetics make it an ideal example of rhythmic experimentation.
Review: This new 45rpm single on Humble Action includes the original version of 'Musical Healers' by Hummingbird as well as a remix by Aryeh Yah. The a-side version is a nice twisted dancehall cut with some hot stepping rhythms that sound like they could well have been sampled by The Streets at some time. It's a future sounding cut even now with its sleek synth leads. It's a real trip too at over eight minutes long, and the remix is no less adventurous but has a more heavy low end.
Peter Hunnigale & Tippa Irie - "Hard Times" (3:43)
Nick Manasseh - "Dub Hard" (3:42)
Review: The cult figure that is Peter Hunnigale and South London reggae sound system mainstay Tippa Irie have teamed up to deliver a fresh rendition of Pablo Gad's classic riddim 'Hard Times.' This new version is just the fifth release from the Tok 2 label and it arrives on a 7" that showcases both artists' distinctive styles with Hunnigale's soulful vocals and Irie's dynamic DJing making it a real winning sound. The B-side features a dub mix by renowned producer Nick Manasseh, and he adds real dub depth to the track.
Glen Hutchinson & The Rough Riders - "We Need Some Satisfaction" (2:50)
The Rough Riders - "We Need Some Satisfaction" (dub music) (2:57)
Review: Originally released in 1979, this rare 45 from the American reggae artist now sees a well-deserved reissue, bringing classic roots and lovers rock reggae back to its intended format. On Side-A, 'We Need Some Satisfaction' delivers a dynamic horn section, a classy reggae groove and strong, soulful vocals that truly is killer. The track strikes a perfect balance between rhythm and melody, exuding the smooth vibe of late '70s reggae. On Side-B, 'Dub Music' takes us into deep dub territory, with a mostly instrumental arrangement, peppered with vocal snippets to keep the connection to the original track. The deep roller bass and atmospheric layers create a deeper listening experience for dub enthusiasts.
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: Abendigo introduces a rising star from Jamaica, Abka Kaba, with this powerful new 12". His tune 'Mighty People,' pairs bold, fat-bottomed drums with some classic harmonicas and sleek synths. It is accompanied by two dub mixes from Hermit Dubz and on the flip side, legendary artist Prince Alla presents 'Backstabber,' marking his sixth collaboration with Abendigo Records. This special release includes two dub mixes and is limited to 300 copies on 12" vinyl.
Review: World-renowned dub artist Hummingbird and reggae and hip-hop crossover rapper Pazoodog team up for a new 7" record here that goes above and beyond! Hummingbird is known for global collaborations and being active in Japan and beyond, while Pazoodog is celebrated for his unique blend of reggae and hip-hop, along with his distinctive lyricism and smooth flow. Their collaboration explores the universal theme of time's passage and blends a mature, melancholic sound based on Hummingbird's sophisticated beats and Pazoodog's exceptional lyrical style. As well as being musically rich, this 7" is a reflective experience for fans of both artists and their respective background genres.
Review: Prince Fatty's 'Mercedes Benz' with Shniece and Horseman is a rub-a-dub version of a 1970s hit from Janis Joplin that now gets a very special pressing courtesy of Lovedub Limited. The A-side kicks off with the spine-tingling and epic original vocal before disappearing into a world of reverb. At that point the dubby low end arrives and brings a different vibe to the stunning vocals but one that really makes a mark next to new bars from Horseman, police sirens and funky riffs. It's a tough sound system groove that is backed with a fine version and has been a firm fixture of Prince Fatty's record box for a while now.
Higher Meditation - "Dreader Than Dread" (version) (3:48)
Review: Nia Songbird teams up with producer Higher Meditation for a powerful new roots 12" straight out of Leicester. Featuring the stirring tracks 'We Are Warriors' and 'Dreader Than Dread', this release is a great window into Nia's evocative vocals paired with Higher Meditation's hard-hitting production. The record delivers four compelling versions that blend conscious lyrics with deep, brutalist rhythms that echo the essence of modern roots. With its commanding message and richly layered soundscapes, this release pushes boundaries while staying true to the genre's soulful and revolutionary spirit.
Review: This crucial new Lion's Choice 12" packs a punch with two powerful tracks by Val Tribulation from Grenoble in southern France. 'Words of Wisdom' highlights Haroon Ayyaz's knack for uplifting vocals and they are deeply inspired by holy scriptures and delivered over a 90s-style instrumental enriched by Mandlion's meditative mandolin. The second track, 'What's Left For Me,' features Alpha B and explores the state of the modern world through thought-provoking lyrics layered atop a saxophone-driven riddim. Both tracks include dub versions, offering deep, reflective vibes.
Review: Paketo Wilson's 'Immigration' is a hymn to freedom from the Kingston, Jamaica-born artist. It first arrived on the Child of God label in 1982 and is one of the self-declared "positive rastaman"'s finest tunes. He was introduced to music by his father and through watching them play managed to pick up his own skills with no formal turning. His career began at age 16 when he played concerts all around the island with the New Vibration Band before going solo with Daddy U-Roy's King Stur Gav Sound System. Now back in its original form, 'Immigration' is a tune that remains as relevant now as ever.
Review: Mercy is a collaborative work between the late great Lee "Scratch" Perry (during his post-Black Ark Studios era), Peter Harris and Fritz Catlin, the drummer from the industrial funk dub act 23 Skidoo. What they cook up is unashamedly experimental outsider works that collide mad mixing desk trickery, Perry's trademark vocal mutterings and plenty of occult sound designs. Melodies are smeared and smudged, rhythms are drunk and off balance and moods range from balmy to bonkers, often within the same damn track. A maverick collage, for sure.
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