Dub – it’s a funny often misunderstood word. Dub comes in all shapes, sizes and flavors and like someone once said about pornography, “I know it when I see it”. Over the years much has been written about Dub from the musical style that grew out of reggae in the late 60s and early 70s to the electronic dance music of today and the sub-genres, Jungle, Drum & Bass, Dubstep and certainly Ambient, House and Techno. If you are interested the Wikapedia page on Dub music is worth a visit. For a well-researched insight, John Bush’s Dub Revolution – The Story Of Jamaican Reggae And It’s Legacy is recommend and The Dub Assassins A History Of Dub covers crucial information.
For this, Vol 409 of LEM we have taken a deep dive into recent releases that qualify as Dub. Plus keen ears will note the inclusion of a few older cuts that work in the mix. Also, you should note we have added some extra sounds and manipulations to complete a continuous mix. You are advised to listen to LEM Vol 409 in one sitting and play loud, very loud.
High Tone – Echo-Logik
Oh, what a resourceful cut this is! From the LP Bass Temperature High Tone has progressively created its own unique musical identity by staying close to their roots and to their core audience. Here is Dub music in its vast complexity.
Amoura – Endmodel
After the quirkiness of Echo-Logik we segue into the hushed intro of Endmodel from Amoura out of Sweden. Splendid stripped-back and minimal, dub chords and intricate percussion abound on the Undirected EP courtesy of Feeler Records.
Röm – Rockers Delight
Even with careful translation it would appear Röm have reached a league of their own with this description, “A footbridge spanning two rifts that we traverse simultaneously. RÖM carries an intriguing satchel—containing a few tools, but, more importantly, various curiosities.” Meanwhile, I’m rather fond of the work of French Electronic producer Romain Martin AKA Röm. The EP LVR4 showcases a more experimental-ambient take on Dub. Cool sleeve art.
Fuck!Lacrème – Welcome To My Crib
“Fuck!Lacrème is a collective of long-time friends, who share a passion for offbeat percussions and thick basslines.” We learn from their PR blurb. The title track, Welcome To My Crib, twists through jungle- infused rhythms, booming basslines, and acid-tinged breakbeats. This five-member Italian production team have a back catalogue worth searching out.
Janka – Friction Dub
On Moonshine records out of Poland the production duo of Hatti Vatti & Daniel Drumz have conjured upright cuts on Exit The Dream LP weaving shades of Techno, Garage, Trance, Ambient and of course Dub. An extremely satisfying long-player.
DDWY – Drink The Real Flowers (Stone Remix)
Do listen carefully to this one written, produced and mixed by Ronan MT & Naomi Pieris and see if you agree, it has that “very English aura?” The husband and wife team began experimenting during the 2021 quarantine in a windowless room, inspired by the headiness of dub, trip-hop and experimental house. I’m told their live sets are brilliant.
Softi – End Of An Era
From a compilation out of Lisbon, Outra Cena is an artist-run, non-sponsored space that opened in Lisbon in September 2023 as a tribute to club culture, honoring its roots while weaving them into the social and musical landscape of today. We aim to give space to outstanding emerging artists, both local and international, alongside established names who continue to inspire us with forward-thinking sounds. Do not overlook.
After Bobby Williams – Tell Me Blue Sky
I knew I was going to like this one because of the sleeve art. Not a usual decider for me, although most often you can tell a great deal from sleeve art. This is the work of Andres Markus & Nicolaas Heemskerk who suggest their Dante EP serves dinner music at the after party of Bobby Williams, the unknown stuntman. Obviously, the production duo had to title their EP After Bobby Williams. Five superb tracks.
10LEC6 – Bobenyang
Ako Akas, is the name of a mountain in southern Cameroon. Legend has it that those who try to walk around it disappear into an endless dance, a perfect image for this ever-moving music where each loop propels the next. Built around layered percussion and Nicole’s voice, singing exclusively in Bulu, a language from Southern Cameroon. Composed, written, produced & performed by Gazelle, Nicole, Erwan, Simon and Jess.
Mystic State – The Last Lotus
The Bristol-based duo’s EP The Last Lotus showcases the their impeccable studio skills, with music that not only hits hard sonically, but is also beautiful to listen to. The stripped back approach with a haunting and rich vibe takes the listener into the far reaches of Dubstep and bass music. Available on the On Deep Dark & Dangerous imprint out of New Zealand. Quality listening!
Jabu – Severn Flood Plain
Titled after the rural, estuarine landscape bordering their Bristol hometown, Severn Flood Plain sees the band pivot towards a more jagged and up-tempo, post-punk sound. Written and sung by Jasmine Butt, the lyrics describe a visit to a friend near the mouth of the Severn, and hint towards a darkness that can also be felt across that tidal landscape. Essential listening! On Six Of Swords, check out their catalogue.
Dubkasm – Babylon Ambush
For Reggae purists, Steppas is a genre not to be over looked and essential for a late night party. Dubkasm are childhood friends Digistep and DJ Stryda, who kicked off their dub project in the mid-’90s before launching their Sufferah’s Choice label in 2003. The duo continue to push out a positive message through quality roots and dub reggae productions and regular live shows across the globe. Babylon Ambush is via the always consistent Partial Records.
Metta World Peace – Jaguar (feat. Fetva)
A curious one to close, on the Deardogs imprint out of France the long-player The SunWill Inherit The Earth. The label tells us they take a resolutely idiosyncratic approach. Navigating various aesthetics and genres including electronic, folk, ambient, and experimental music, the label seeks to showcase artists united by a spirit of versatility and unpredictability. Do go to their site and check out their other releases and spend a moment taking a look at the page titled Spirit.
Photograph by James St. Clair “Sitting series #5” 2009 digital print. Courtesy of Norman B’s collection