Ariwa Sounds Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Is there a more consistent partnership in UK lovers rock than Pamela 'Aisha' Ross and Neil 'Mad Professor' Fraser? The pair has been working together consistently since 1986 and continue to periodically deliver killer cuts. 'Guide & Protect', which was first featured on the CD (but not vinyl) edition of Ross's 1987 album High Priestess, is one of their best - a sweet, life-affirming affair in which Ross sings sweetly and emotionally atop a typically synth-heavy, dub-flecked lovers rock 'riddim' by the effervescent Fraser. On this 7" edition, an edited version of the 1987 original comes backed by 'Aztec Warrior', a deliciously dubbed-out Mad Professor take on the same riddim featuring echoing flute and brass snippets.

Review: Mad Professor's Aiwa Studios has never struggled with turning out sublime low end excursions in a range of dubby sub-genres. This 7" offers the latest chance to check in with what's going on there courtesy of the in-house Ariwa Posse with Joe Ariwa. This is reportedly one of two releases coming imminently which is great news because it bangs. First up is A-side wobbler 'Rise & Shine' (with Askala Selassie) which has clean digi-dub synths snaking between hissing hi hats and endless amounts of rerun while the silky bass rolls unhindered and the vocals bring aching soul. Joe Ariwa gets to work on a flip side dub that hits different.