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The latest from dub veterans Salmonella Dub is a fine addition to their considerable catalogue. The 'Killervision' and 'Inside the Dub Plates' platinum and triple platinum double-header was always going to be a tough act to follow but 'One Drop East' marks the Dub's tenth year significantly and with style. Opening chill dub number "Longtime" refers to the Dub's wandering ways of late, and this theme is carried throughout the entire album. Having toured and received critical acclaim on all sides of the globe, the comfort of homecoming is apparent in the familiar grooves. "Slide" is an appealing outing, the excellent single "Dancehall Girl" requires no mention, and boiling funk crosses with drum and bass in "Nu Steppa". Mellow rhythms feature in "Dub Survivor", and "Ez On" takes a dub twist on Albert Camus' famous "Don't walk behind me, I may not lead" quote. In "Octopus" the musical becomes political with the inclusion of a confrontational line from the film 'Utu', an interesting statement from a generally uncontroversial band. "Pure" stands out as a classic Salmonella Dub track, with sweet lyrics and surging drum and bass just below the surface.
Recorded in the Dub's Kaikoura studio and co-produced by Paddy Free, the album stays true to their singular style with mainstay dub rhythms combining with satisfying outings into funky jazzy drum and bass styles. Having been on the scene since 1993, Salmonella Dub have a lot of experience to draw upon and their maturity is apparent, as is a sound which they have successfully developed into something uniquely their own. 'One Drop East' sets them firmly at the top of the heap in terms of NZ bands showing the world how Aotearoa's take on contemporary dub/reggae is done. Recommended. Copy Controlled (smokecds.com)
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