CULTCHA Clash Outer National
2022 Mid-Year Vinyl Round-Up
Written by Selecta J-Cut
Once again, in usual C.C.O.N. fashion, I'm a little late on a few of these titles. However, some of the vinyl pressings are also late, relative to the release dates.
G36 vs JK Flesh - Disintegration Dubs (Pressure)
To begin with, Disintegration Dubs, the full album release split between JK Flesh and G36, which was released digitally on Pressure last year. The wax is out now, mine just arrived the other day.
The double record set comes superbly packaged with artwork on the inner sleeves, as well as track listing and credits that clarify some of the mystery behind G36, who had previously been described as a Japanese Anarchist collective. Kevin Martin (The Bug), come to find out, is 1/2 of G36 and is credited with the first track on each side.
Martin's contributions here, such as "Wrong Place, Wrong Time" and "Body Crusher" are synth heavy, evolved steppers tracks, which may invoke images of marching stormtroopers or mass destruction, depending upon the listener.
The second track on each side is credited to G36's Gorgonn, who's "Sulfer" sounds like a slow motion dancehall riddim with flanged claps propelling the sound. "Ghengis" is percussive, reminiscent of 23 Skidoo's more ambient work, to me.
JK Flesh is credited with the third song on each side and he brings more of the hypnotic groove to the album. Atmospheric, industrial soundscapes, are the vibe... some not too dissimilar to something from Cabaret Voltaire's Johnny Yesno soundtrack, not to say that there is anything at all "retro" about this work.
Recorded in Berlin, where G36 is now based, the minimalist techno element is ever present in all of Disintegration Dubs. However, this bass-bin rocker is also heavily infused with abstract dub elements that make it not only club friendly but a captivating listen, beginning to end. Released on Pressure, The Bug's label, and available from Bleep or Bandcamp... this one comes highly recommended.
Various Artists - Pay It All Back Vol. 8 (On-U Sound)
Pay It All Back Vol. 8 is the latest in the long-running series of samplers which spotlight On-U Sound's current crop of artists and projects.
Set off with "You'll Own Nothing" by Mad 45 - an American toaster who has obviously been influenced by the likes of On-U veterans Gary Clail and Andy Fairley - with an ominous forecast for late-stage capitalism over a sparse dub-step-ish track.
"Many Names Of God" is a metaphysical journey across the universe with Lee "Scratch" Perry featuring LSK. The chorus comes off a bit like one of those "Coexist" bumper stickers, jetting across the universe on a supernova. Rhythmically, this one moves - the energy reminds me of a previous P.I.A.B. entry, "What A Wonderful Day" by African Head Charge.
The mighty Tackhead return with two contributions, "Rulers & Foolers" and "I Don't Wanna Work A Fake Job" (this one particularly speaks to me!) - heavy alternative-electro-funk jams with Mad 45's slightly white and nerdy rapping style reminiscent of Bay Area leftists, Consolidated.
African Head Charge return with the tribal, club energy of "Asalatua" and Creation Rebel appear with an awesome new tune, "Stonebridge Warrior."
Horace Andy's "Watch Over Them," from his Midnight Rocker LP, is here, as well as "This Road" from Denise Sherwood's album by the same title.
Jeb Loy Nichols brings his Country-Reggae style with "What Does A Man Do All Day?" There are two previously unreleased Andy Fairley tunes that do not disappoint, "Your Best Tune" and "Deranged Man." LSK makes an appearance with "Money Masters," a fine display of his smooth, conscious lyrical flow. The Ital Horns cut, "Metropolis" is a fairly conventional instrumental cut (with subtle vocal samples) that sounds fresh and vibrant.
Sherwood & Pinch contribute two tracks, the comical "Excessive Drinking" and the hardcore, "We No Normal" with vocals from Daddy Freddy.
As the series has been for nearly forty years, P.I.A.B. 8 is a excellent example of the variety of artists and groups that record under On-U Sound for the great producer, Adrian Sherwood.
Various Artists - Dub No Frontiers (On-U Sound / Real World Records)
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| Various Artists - Dub No Frontiers (2022 On-U Sound / Real World Records) |
The long-awaited compilation, Dub No Frontiers, that features non-English language, female vocalists performing on Reggae / Dub rhythms, produced by Adrian Sherwood, is finally almost here!
It's been many years in the making, I've looked forward to it's release with much anticipation, release date is September 30 and it's available at Bandcamp.
Check out the video for Rita Morar "Meri Awaaz Suno (Hear My Voice)" here.
Horace Andy - Midnight Scorchers (On-U Sound)
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| Horace Andy - Midnight Scorchers (On-U Sound) |
The follow up to Horace Andy's On-U Sound debut, Midnight Rocker, is due for release on September 16 and it will be called Midnight Scorchers. Pre-order it now at Bandcamp or Bleep.
Check out the video for his latest dub-plate, here.
Well, that wraps up the round-up, until next time, Peace.
