CULTCHA Clash Outer National Music Review:

The Process - Weapons Of Mass Percussion (2024 Remaster)

DAB (David Asher Band) - War Profiteers

(2024 Bandcamp)

Dabtronic ft. Janique James & Mark Stewart - I Blinked

(2024 Bandcamp)

Selecta J-Cut

This one is long overdue, it's been a rather hectic year and I had put writing on the back burner (apologies, David) and things kind of snowballed out of control so I failed to get back to it until now. I figured that I could cover all three David Asher related releases in a year end wrap-up (better late than never, right?)

David had reached out to me several years ago to review his band, The Process's album from 2016, titled Who Is This Mad Band? which was right up my alley and led me to start the CULTCHA Clash Outer National "digital zine." The follow-up dub version of the album, Dub World was subsequently reviewed. David also joined me for the first official Duburbia Podcast (see link below). We have since had a long distance friendship rooted in a mutual fandom of producer Adrian Sherwood (who Asher has worked with on several projects) and the On-U Sound label. (If you haven't already, check out the On-U Sound Sunday Roast hosted monthly by David)

The Process - Weapons Of Mass Percussion Remaster

Beginning with the remaster of Weapons Of Mass Percussion, which was originally released in 2006. Conceptually, the album deals with the politics of the time (post 9/11), including sound bites and samples of the media, manufacturing consent for the disastrous wars that came as a result of the attacks on that day. Musically, the sound is reminiscent of the futurist funk-dub of Tackhead and at times not too dissimilar from On-U Sound mainstays, Dub Syndicate, at other times dabbling in the electronic territory of drum & bass, such as in the title track. Overall, it's a heavy, dubbed-out, reggae rocker with traces Asher's distinct vocal stylings, peppered with George Bush or other talking heads from the media. It compels the listener to open their eyes and think outside of the establishment's narrative.

The album may have been recorded nearly 20 years ago, but the subject matter is still relevant, and the re-master sounds superb! Check it out at Bandcamp: https://theprocess77.bandcamp.com/album/weapons-of-mass-percussion-2024-remaster

DAB David Asher Band - War Profiteers

War Profiteers by DAB David Asher Band is a single that was released digitally in May, 2024, the follow-up to DAB's 2021 debut LP DAB David Asher Band and 2023's Jah Shield. Straight forward modern reggae that does not shy away from social consciousness, shining light on the wicked, this is truly righteous music.

It seems as if DAB's sound gets a little bit stronger on each release, looking forward to the next LP!

Get this one at Bandcamp: https://dabdavidasherband.bandcamp.com/album/war-profiteers

Dabtronic ft. Janique James & Mark Stewart

I Blinked by Dabtronic featuring Janique James and Mark Stewart is the most current of the three, released in November of 2024. This project explores, as the name would imply, the electronic side of Mr. Asher.

Hailing from Birmingham, Janique James vocals are sultry and mysterious, juxtaposed with the late Mark Stewart's stylings, captured here on what must be one of his last recordings before his death in 2023.

There are 8 mixes including dub and instrumental versions as well as the original Dabtronic mix, as well as mixes by UFOA and Alien-Levi and On-U Sound - my personal favorite, no surprise there. The Sherwood mix is more sparse and arranged a little differently, but all of the versions are enjoyable.

The release is digital as well as limited edition vinyl and cd, 100 of each are available so get them while you can. Available from Bandcamp: https://dabtronic.bandcamp.com/album/i-blinked

Check out the Duburbia Podcast with David Asher below!