Back in stock: Dub

Review: Tracking right back to the very earliest days of Alpha & Omega, 'Pure And Clean' first emerged on their debut album King & Queen back in 1989. It's the kind of evergreen, dubwise steppers which could just as easily have been put out last year on ZamZam Sounds, but this is in fact a repress of the reissue Partial put out back in 2013. You get the original album cut on its own side of 7", plus of course an additional excursion on the flip to take you deeper into the sound. This is musical meditation at its finest, and given how quickly past copies have flown out, you won't want to get too comfortable until it's home and safely spinning on the platter.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Missing original outer sleeve but otherwise in perfect working condition***


Mikal Asher, a scion of Jamaica's Morgan family dynasty, reunites with Chocolate Star Records here and does so with a collaboration with disco legend Gary Davis. Asher, akin to his brother Denroy Morgan, upholds the family's legacy of righteousness through music. Known as the Binghiman, he crafts captivating tunes with profound lyrics and has recorded in Ghana's Hustle Hard Studios and collaborated with industry pioneers in Kingston and Brooklyn, setting new standards in musical excellence along the way. Here, 'Wicked Ah Fi' transforms into a modern dub stepper, while 'Black Woman' offers a soulful, laid-back dedication to Davis' wife, Sonjia. This 7" also comes with innovative remixes from California-based DJ and producer Knoe1.

Review: Black Carbon by Akae Beka featuring Chronixx delivers deep Jah vibes and chilled reggae rhythms that capture the soul of Jamaican life. On Side-1, the track unfolds smoothly, blending reggae and dub elements into a mesmerising sonic experience. The lyrics delve into profound themes, reflecting on societal issues and spiritual insights. On Side-2, the dub version amplifies the instrumental aspects, allowing listeners to immerse themselves in the rich layers of the music. Overall, Black Carbon is a captivating release that shows the talents of both artists and offers a refreshing take on contemporary reggae music.

Review: Vinyl only and lucky if we see one release a year; Moonshine's Dubwise Revolution always keeps us keen with their white label 10s. This is no exception. Crafted by an anonymous source, these spicy versions join the dots in a contemporary, high grade way. Sleng tenging it out with plenty of molten low end, 'Garnedd' brings the soul while 'Ghetto Living' slugs it out with swagger. Grab it while you can.

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: Monyaka's 'Rocking Time' encapsulates the essence of reggae's infectious groove in just four minutes. Released in 1983, this timeless anthem radiates positivity with its upbeat rhythm and uplifting lyrics. Monyaka's infectious energy and catchy melodies invite listeners to dance and celebrate life's joys and serve as a reminder of reggae's ability to transcend borders and unite people with its universal message of love and harmony. With its irresistible vibe, Monyaka's 'Rocking Time' is a warming gem that embodies the spirit of joy and togetherness that defines reggae.