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 | Various Artists:Earthjuice (Waveform - 1998) "Freshly squeezed electromagnetic dub" is what's promised with the Earthjuice compilation, and that's a close enough descriptor. These Jamaican-flavored (and perhaps ganja-influenced) tracks can mellow as well as stir. Loosen up and drink deeply of these fluidly zesty concoctions. |
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This collection gathers nine acts (of decidedly European origin) to pay homage to the lazily upbeat dub sounds of Jamaica.I don't know what King Tubby would think of these modern revolutions, but I find them to be a lot of fun in a laid back groove. Incidentally, the liner notes include David Toop's brief history of (and observations on) the genre.
The somehow minimal-yet-dense mix of Home (Home Grown Mix) by Human opens with sampled female voice; her words make sense with the tropical bass pulse and slow, steamy rhythms (but after the sixth or seventh time of hearing that same phrase, I'm ready to kick some sand in her face...). Qualia's Plasma (Freshwater Mix) follows suit, though more electronically. And at least their samples, drug-induced though they may be, aren't nearly so repetitious. Ras Command turns up the percussion in Love Dub (Drum Mix), partly with metallic drumming, but mostly with a simple and direct electrobeat. Echoey keyboards, radiowave warbles and ghostly voices ride on a peppy bassline. Adelphi blends high frequency oscillations, beats and reggae rhythms to form Jah Weybridge. P.R.O.M. (People's Republic of Music) add breathy female vocals and dreamy organ riffs to Hypnotized. Drumbeats and cymbals power Pulse Dub by Chris Zippel, as hazy washes of sound ripple in waves stirred by a mellow bass. Distant keyboards, guitar and strange electronic eruptions mingle with a definitely dubby low end when the Etherealites present Unbelievers . Small Axe provides the short (4:36) Witch Doctor; the bass takes charge, with various accompaniments. Clocking in at 9:28, Baba, We Love Dub So by Doof is smoother and more electronic, and would seem at home on any ol' electro-ambient-space-dance comp. |
| It would seem that island rum and weed aren't the only intoxicants to originate from Jamaica. Earthjuice is a light-hearted romp through the jungle and warrants One Thumb Up, accompanied by a pleasantly relaxed grin. |  |
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