Review: Alpha & Omega are serious UK dub legends and now they are back on ZamZam with a typically powerful new anthem featuring Steppas Records' Nai-Jah. Over a thunderous bassline, melodica, sparkling keys and evocative jungle sounds, Nai-Jah's heartfelt lyrics call for empathy and action as he signs "Money-making has filled our minds with disease." The flipside jam on this fine 7" is 'The Dubplate Trembles' which extends the vibes in classic style. Another fine collaboration from these mainstays who have already long since assured their legacy over the course of 30-plus albums that have shaped global sound system culture.
Review: Joe Armon-Jones brings a fresh layer of depth to his ever-evolving sound with 'Sorrow', a track that takes its time to breathe, much like a slow unfolding narrative. The piece moves with a deliberate grace, weaving together his distinctive jazz-infused piano work with an underlying electronic pulse. It starts subtly, slowly layering textures that push the track into deeper emotional terrain. The interplay between live drums and ambient synths creates a fluid yet focused atmosphere, reflecting the introspective mood the title suggests. With 'Sorrow', Armon-Jones proves once again that he is unafraid to let his ideas mature at their own pace, leading listeners through a rich, captivating experience.
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.
Guru Pope - "Reggae Soldier" (Saxaphone mix) (3:15)
Aba Ariginal - "East Meets West" (Hornix mix) (3:15)
East Meets West (dub mix 1) (3:14)
East Meets West (dub mix 2) (3:18)
Review: A powerful collaboration between Jennifer Barrett, Guru Pope and Aba Ariginal released on a striking red 12". The original track blends smooth reggae rhythms with heartfelt lyrics that celebrate strength, resilience and the spirit of the reggae soldier. Each artist brings their unique flavour to the release and that leads to a harmonious fusion of voices and styles. Add in its infectious groove and uplifting message, and 'Reggae Soldier' is a standout tune that begs to be played loud.
Review: This crucial platter features two gems in 'Windrush Scandal' and 'Give A Little Love' which are fine tunes from Lizzi Bee and Ranking Ann, who makes a great return and lays down some superb vocals that will get you thinking as well as skanking, and what's more it all comes on a flame red vinyl 12". The track offers a perfect blend of reggae and dancehall influences, featuring catchy melodies, uplifting lyrics and a smooth rhythm that will have you swaying along and lost in the cavernous bass depths. Sax versions and dubs are all included to make this the complete package.
Review: The DMV crew presents two Biggie-inspired tracks on a limited 7" vinyl here that drives just in time for you to flip some Christmas party dance floors inside out and back to front. Side A opens with the wonderful and timeless 'Juicy Groove,' which is a funky, brass-infused twist on a classic NYC hit that will connect with a wide array of dancers. Flip to side B and you will find a Caribbean-flavoured mashup that's sure to leave you 'Hypnotized'. Do not excuse the pun.
Boss Capone Meets Keith Rowe - "Will You Still Be My Girl Tomorrow" (2:53)
Boss Capone - "Trouble Town" (3:31)
Review: Boss Capone from The Upsessions collaborates with Keith Rowe of the legendary Jamaican duo Keith & Tex on this new release which is well worth hearing. The A-side features a love-inspired rocksteady gem while the flip offers a roots-oriented banger. Boss Capone shared his experience of making this one, saying "I recorded a song called 'My Girl Tomorrow.' I was struggling with it and wanted a voice full of soul. Keith kindly added his vocals, completing the beautiful puzzle." Each copy includes a recycled paper insert and both of these tunes will remind of summer with their earth rhythms and laidback, dusty drums.
Review: Robert Dubwise Browne's remake of Bob Marley's classic 'Could You Be Loved' offers a fresh and vibrant take on the timeless track. Featuring strong female vocals on the hook, this version leans heavily into a rich rhythm section, bringing a new energy to the beloved song. The remake is both classy and respectful, capturing the essence of the original while adding its own flair. On the flip side, the dub version strips things down, transforming the track into a cool, atmospheric rendition that highlights the instrumental depth. Browne's production shines throughout, making this release a standout for fans of reggae and dub alike. It's a glorious tribute with modern touches that breathe new life into a classic.
Review: The Disciples & Creation Stepper came together for 'True Nazarite' back in 1991 and it was an instant classic on the dub circuit. It has long been sought after by collectors and now comes back as a reissue from Partial Records who have done a fine job of cutting it so that the deep, heavy UK roots sound, which has become pricey on the second-hand market, is as clear as possible. Produced by Russ D, the crucial tune has thunderous sub-bass and bouncing keys and dubbed to the max across three extra mixes. 'True Nazarite (Version)' carries traces of the vocal, while the B-side 'Nazarite' dials up digital keyboard melodies and echo effects. The fourth mix strips it all down to skeletal toms and shivering bass for a stark, raw dub experience.
Review: Timeless digital roots and dub from The Disciples here featuring the late Jamaican singer Creation Stepper, who i most famously well known for his iconic 70s roots reggae classics. This release includes a fresh take on Stepper's 1978 track, 'Kill Nebuchadnezzar' and it is paired with another vocal gem, 'Ozone Layer,' plus two powerful dub versions. Originally mixed and produced by Russ D in The Disciples' studio in 1991, this music finally saw the light of day in 2011 on the Disciples Vintage label where it quickly sold out. Now back on a great sounding 12", this is a must for roots and dub heads.
Review: Ronnie Davis' 'No Man Is Free' is a powerful roots reggae anthem that has everything a good tune needs to in order to make an impact on the head, heart and heel, namely soulful melodies with conscious lyrics. Released in the 1970s, the track addresses themes of oppression, inequality and the quest for freedom and reflects the socio-political struggles of the time. Davis' deep, resonant vocals ride atop a rich rhythmic backing which is typical of the era's classic reggae sound. Known for his work with The Itals and as a solo artist, Davis delivers a message of unity and resistance here that reminds us that true freedom is a shared human right, not just an individual pursuit.
Review: Samuel van Dijk (VC-118A) and Rasmus Hedlund deepen their journey into roots-inspired dub techno with their third release featuring Jamaica-born, Finland-based vocalist Benji. His commanding voice adds layers of introspection and wisdom, enhancing the project's meditative qualities. 'Better Way' leads with a rich, traditional dub structure, its heavy basslines anchoring a reflection on humanity's challenges and the call for solutions. Benji's vocal delivery is earnest and impactful, carrying a hopeful message that resonates deeply. The instrumental 'Better Version' follows, highlighting intricate production details like shimmering synth melodies and reverberating drum patterns. On Side-2, 'Child Was I' ventures into atmospheric depths, pairing Benji's thoughtful reflections on personal growth with an expansive, slow-burning bassline. This track unfolds gradually, creating an enveloping soundscape that rewards close listening. The accompanying 'Child Version' strips back the vocals, bringing the textured production and haunting melodic layers to the forefront. With its perfect balance of lyrical depth and intricate sound design, this release honors dub techno traditions while charting its own unique path.
Yekermo Sew (feat Don De, Craig Crofton, Piotr Zabrodzki) (4:12)
Yekermo Sew (feat Don De, Craig Crofton, Piotr Zabrodzki - dub) (4:12)
Review: Dreadsquad's latest single marks the first glimpse of an upcoming instrumental dub album and pays homage to a pivotal moment in world music history. In 2005, Jim Jarmusch's film Broken Flowers introduced global audiences to Ethiopian jazz, particularly through the hauntingly beautiful 'Yekermo Sew' by Mulatu Astatke, who is considered the father of Ethio-jazz. Now reimagined as a reggae dub track, Dreadsquad has replaced electronic elements with live instrumentation and worked with an international team of musicians. Meaning "man of experience and wisdom" in Amharic, 'Yekermo Sew' reflects Dreadsquad's seasoned journey across continents and reaffirms the universal truth that music transcends all boundaries.
Review: Inca Dubs present the next release on their fine label as they head towards release number 100 and it features the legendary vocalist Earl Sixteen. This engaging digi-dub track 'The People's Rights' is dedicated to the working class, a powerful anthem for the many, not the few - conscious music with a real message. On the flip side, you'll find the uplifting strings version which is a perfect soundtrack to some quiet contemplation or meditation. This track has been played by top sound systems like Channel One, King Earthquake, and Entebbe Sound so is an essential addition to any dub box, perfectly mastered by Russ Disciples.
Review: First released way back in 1982 on Greensleeves, Eek-A-Mouse's 'Ganja Smuggling' is a towering example of early 80s "singjaying", a style of reggae vocal improv made popular by its combination of toasting and singing. Here we open with an asphyxial, spitballing steppers sound, as 'Mouse is heard scatting and bidi-bonging in his signature opening style, shortly before launching into a cautionary tale about working as a border lines marijuana smuggler. The track deals in a stoic, forborne whimsy, comically scatting and riff-licking through what is implicitly portrayed as an otherwise thankless and unforgiving task. This 7" reissue marks an important milestone in Greensleeves' release catalogue, harking back to one of Eek's earliest cuts laid down with kingpin producer Henry "Junjo" Lawes, the association with whom helped fuel Eek's early celebrity.
Review: Michael Exodus aka JAH SEED is an Italian producer and contemporary dub master who heads up the Dub-O-Matic label. His work brings a blend of electronic sounds mixed with the analogue dub traditions and this latest outing is another fine example of that. This new white vinyl 12" opens with the clean digi-dub sounds and warrior leads of 'Smash Down The Tower' and trundles on through 'Dub Down The Tower', the liquid rhythms of 'Dub The Water' and more moody sounds of 'Water Flow'. A great blend of the old and the new, then.
Review: Flying Vipers' new single 'Show Me' deepens their homage to 70s dub-inspired sound and now features lead vocalist Kellee Webb, whose soulful plea to a lover adds a heartfelt edge. With simmering horns, a lively Farfisa organ and a catchy hook, this track invites you to sing and sway from the start. Marking their debut with Easy Star Records, this crucial tune brings Flying Vipers' signature style to new heights. The single also includes a dub version on the B-side, which delivers a classic, immersive vibe for dub enthusiasts.
Review: Otis Gayle and Robert Dubwise Brown come together for this superb new 7" on Vortex Japan. It's a glorious cover of an already glorious original tune. Their version of 'I'll Be Around' leaves the originals feel-good melodies in place but works them into a lover's rock rhythm with gentle but sunny percussion and a heartfelt re-sung vocal. It's buttery smooth and good for the soul. On the flip is a dub vocal version that is even more laid back and deep, with fleshy bottom ends and wiggling bass.
Review: The mighty Jah Warrior label is back with some more irresistible dub and roots sounds, this time featuring legendary Jamaican musician Vin Gordon on trombone, and all mixed to perfection by Steve Vibronics. Gordon's 'Gentrification' is a big-assed wobbly with natty chords adding dynamic vibes to the languid and steamy trombone. The rumblings, tumbling drums are run through with some natty melodies and the whole thing oozes sunshines. On the flip is Jah Warrior with the superb 'Gentrified Dub.'
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.
Review: Indica Dubs and The Disciples' collaboration offers a fresh and exciting 10" single that blends past and future with raw dub and modern production. 'Dub Apprentice' kicks off with a heavy, steppers-driven groove, a tribute to the craft and an evolution of the sound. Indica Dubs' mixing expertise is apparent throughout, with thundering basslines and intricately layered dub effects adding texture and depth. On the B-side, 'Zion Melody' shifts to a one-drop rhythm, punctuated by a hard riddim and flowing melodies that carry an uplifting vibe. Both tracks strike a balance between tradition and innovation, creating a dub-forward sound that feels timeless and forward-thinking.
Review: Sonic gastronomists come therapists Ital Counselor serve the scene as musical physicians, prognosing the soul food hygiene ratings of each dub bit that comes their way, as they see fit. On the releasing side of things, however, their output meets the consistent quality of whatever the reggae equivalent of a Michelin star is. Welcoming reggaeist, melodica player and vocalist Hughie Izachaar to the fold for a debut single release after a ridonkulous string of releases kept steady since the early 1980s, 'Do You Really Know' carries an authentic vintage charm and yet is actually a brand new track; it hears Izachaar singjay with a birdlike glide, impressively navigating a bouncy dub firmament, using the genre's characteristic elegiac vibe to ask us if we really know what it's like to know righteousness. We're only a chosen few, after all...
Review: R Zee Jackson's 'Row Fisherman Row EP', released on Jamwax, is a smooth fusion of roots and lovers rock. Born in Clarendon, Jamaica, Jackson (also known as Esso Jaxxon or Castro Pink) eventually moved to the United States in 1973 and later settled in Canada. There, he connected with key figures in the reggae scene, including Oswald Creary of Half Moon Studio, Doug of Comfort Sounds, and the legendary Jackie Mittoo. The EP kicks off with the title track, 'Row Fisherman Row', a melodic roots rock jam enriched with smooth dub elements. The warm, laid-back groove sets the tone, followed by 'Blackheart Man', where a deep, wobbling bass carries a more traditional reggae sound. On Side-2, 'Long Long Time' is a spiritual, echo-heavy vibe that exudes class and depth. Jackson continues to contribute to the reggae community as both a performer and producer, keeping the spirit of roots music alive.
Review: Five essential Yabby You roots classics from the mid-70s are being released via Prophets and Digikiller and they all come paired with King Tubby's visionary dubs. This one focuses on 'Fire In Kingston' from Vivian Jackson and The Prophets and it's the pinnacle of roots music blending spiritual depth with Tubby's groundbreaking production. The low end is warm and cavernous and the vocals are effortlessly stylish and soulful and with the addition of sprinkling percussion and a zoned-out dub and you have a lovely little 7".
Review: UK dub label Partial Records welcomes dub cats Vivian Jones and Vinney Satta for a new split 7". Jones's 'Return Ticket' kicks off in slow, libidinous fashion with sparse wooden rim shots and joyous horns bursting out of the laid back rhythm while the wailing vocals bring a traditional touch. On the flip, Satta steps up for a dub out version of the original which is more roomy, liquid and heady for those late night sessions when you can hook on to the endlessly echoing chords and bass. Two classy sounds with a contemporary twist.
Review: The always-worth-checking Roots Vibration have been digging in the vaults again and serve up this superb reissue of Glen Judah's much sort after early 80s gem. 'Mr. Collie Man' is a weed anthem to end all weed anthems with its ode to the smoke unfurling over slow, steady drums, gentle horn stabs and buttery vocal goodness heightening any trip. On the flipside, you will find a version that slows things down even more and ups the liquidity of the synths which form lush puddles around the echoing hits and kicks.
Review: This wonderful reggae rendition of Randy Newman's classic 'Baltimore', which is best known from Nina Simone's cover, brings a unique new soulful twist with Judy & Lynda's smooth vocals and rich horn sections adding some modern flair. Originally released in 1985 and licensed from legendary producer Errol Dunkley, it's a heartfelt take that captures the warmth of the original with a reggae groove while the B-side, 'Heavenly Day', complements it perfectly with more blissed out and horizontal rhythms. Two superbly smooth riddims for loud sound system deployment.
Review: Dennis Anthony Thomas is known as King Kong and is the celebrated Jamaican singer behind hits like 'Trouble Again' and 'Legal We Legal.' His track 'Song of Love' was originally released by Pisces Productions and is a rare gem and a powerful anti-apartheid anthem. The song confronts South Africa's apartheid regime, referencing President P.W. Botha while urging unity and human rights. Through themes of love and resilience, King Kong highlights the strength of cultural solidarity in a tune that is rooted in reggae's tradition of political advocacy. As such 'Song of Love' transcends music and symbolises global support for freedom.
Review: King Stanley and Indica Dubs deliver impressive harmonic weight to the London-based Guree Roots 7"s imprint, and tap into a nostalgic memory of better musical times with 'Bring Back The Vibes' and its inverse dub. The singer, songwriter, One Nation Sound System member and producer Stanley takes centre vocal stage on Indica's framing, laying down a heavily homesick narration set to a digi-steppers' churn. For those who like their dub and dubstep merged, this is the one, though don't let Stanley's memorial turn fool you; his tunes, this one mere the latest among them, still hit heavy on floors. Indica's version shines just as brightly on its own on the B-side.
Review: This first release from the Levites on Lion Triumphant brings a fitting tribute to the late Jah Shaka with 'Lion'. The track draws direct inspiration from Shaka's iconic sound system days, particularly through its use of a sample from an early 80s reggae film featuring Shaka himself. The rhythm at the core of the track is a recut of a dubplate that was a highlight of Jah Shaka's sets during the late 70s and early 80s, instantly evoking the raw, immersive energy of his sound system. It's a fitting homage, capturing the spirit of an era while paying respect to a true legend of reggae culture.
Review: This wonderful horn-led instrumental gem from Chris Petter and Dave Fullwood in their Love Grocer guise makes its first ever appearance on 7". Originally released on a Dubhead 10" featuring a Cheshire Cat vocal in 2000 and then also on the Rocking with the Love Grocer album on Dubhead in 2001, this one has long been a favourite and rightly so: it shows their signature take on dubbed-out rhythms and finds them weaving in some nice hypnotic melodies with great trumpet pads bringing the good vibes.
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.
Review: Sofia Manari and Inokasira Rangers are not strangers to working together on their own unique covers of some classic sounds, all reworked into fresh dub grooves. This time they turn their focus to 'First Love, which is a lush listen with Manari's soothing and sultry vocal delivery. On the flip is another laid-back dub sound with a constant rhythmic pulse, natty chords and more clean and soulful vocals from Manari making this a sweet little 7" from Japan's finest, Parktone.
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