Showing posts with label Electronic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Electronic. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

CULTCHA Clash Outer National Music Review: The Process "Weapons Of Mass Percussion" DAB (David Asher Band) "War Profiteers" Dabtronic "I Blinked" ft. Janique James & Mark Stewart

 

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!
 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!










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Saturday, July 23, 2022

CULTCHA Clash Outer National 2022 Mid Year Vinyl Round-Up

 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)


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)


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.

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Tuesday, April 26, 2022

CULTCHA Clash Outer National Album Review: Mark Stewart - VS (2022 eMERGENCY heARTS)

 

CULTCHA Clash Outer National Album Review:

Mark Stewart - VS 

(2022 eMERGENCY heARTS)


Fresh for 2022, Mark Stewart is at it again. This time in the form of a digitally released collaborative project with an all-star lineup of guests who are kindred in a free-thinking, status quo challenging aesthetic in art.
 



EBM commandos, Front 242 guest on the first track, 'Rage Of Angels' which hits as hard as a soup can chucked at a dome. The arpeggiated synths reminiscent of a slow-paced 'I Feel Love' by Donna Summer, the sample used on Mark's track, 'Fatal Attraction.' Stewart's cryptic lyrics delivered with an urgency that is reflective of the state of a world on the edge of destruction.

'Cast No Shadow (Leather Strip Mix)' features Stephen Mallinder (Cabaret Voltaire / Wrangler) and Eric Random. It is an  electro funk banger.




'The Last Enemy' is produced by West Coast stalwarts Mark Pistel / Consolidated, the heavy, Tackhead-esque beat is doubled up with a drum 'n' bass break to devastating effect. 

'Ghost Of Love' is one of the standouts, featuring Eric Random, it's deranged techno sound is infectious, and is the perfect platform for Mark's heavily affected rant.

Previously released on 12" single, 'Outlaw Empire (Adrian Sherwood Dub Mix)' with Nun Gun is an excellent, abstract version on which Mark refers to "The collapse of everything."



KK Null, old-school Japanese noise artist guests on 'New Error,' which is spoken word over sonic terrorism, eventually morphing into a distorted breakbeat and what sounds like digital annihilation... "Fear is the weapon, no sanctuary."

KK Null appears again, this time with Mike Watt (Minutemen) from what is likely to be the most conventional rock song that one will find on the album, 'All My Senses' is its title. Being that Watt has been a known fan of The Pop Group, this is a logical collaboration that feels like the artists really enjoyed recording it. Null's contributions are surprisingly complimentary to the instrumentation and vocals.

More on the sonic terrorism front, Bristol's Ye Gods appears on two tracks, bringing the uncompromising noise to new levels. 




The album closes with 'Alpha,' a project with the late, great Lee "Scratch" Perry and visual artist Peter Harris, mixed by Adrian Sherwood. Proceeds from the single's initial release went towards the famous Alpha Boys School in Jamaica, at which many of reggae's original players of instruments were educated. Perry and Stewart wanted to create a song for children with this one, which is evident upon listening, although it's thoroughly enjoyable by all ages.


The CD and Digital release are available at Bandcamp from eMERGENCY heARTS, an Austin, TX based label. There are four Lathe-Cut 7" Picture-discs of songs from the album available in limited quantities, as well. Get 'em while you can! 


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Friday, December 31, 2021

CULTCHA Clash Outer National Record Review: Nun Gun - Stealth Empire In Dub (Self Released) & The Pop Group - Y In Dub (Mute)

 

CULTCHA Clash Outer National Record Review:

Nun Gun - Stealth Empire In Dub

(Self Released 2021)

&

The Pop Group - Y In Dub

(Mute 2021)

Reviewed by Jon "Selecta J-Cut" Soldanels


These two releases aren't brand new, Nun Gun was released in April of this year, but, due to the vinyl production back-up, the record did no arrive until November. The Pop Group officially came out on October 29, but the vinyl will not be issued until Spring of 2022. Due to my own time restraints and procrastination, I'm afraid that I can't get too in depth on these, However, I wanted to make sure to mention them before the years end.

Both of these releases involve vocalist Mark Stewart, who was the subject of a recent CULTCHA Clash Outer National's Vinyl Encounters Of The Rewind.


Nun Gun - Stealth Empire In Dub (2021 Self Released)

Stealth Empire In Dub is the accompanying release to Mondo Decay (Witty Books), which came out on cassette in February of this year. The song, "Stealth Empire" features Mark Stewart providing vocal stylings for the Atlanta, GA based experimental group, Nun Gun, comprised of 2 members of Algiers and visual artist, Brad Feuerhelm. The several mixes include a dub by Adrian Sherwood.


Nun Gun "Stealth Empire (featuring Mark Stewart)"

The Pop Group - Y In Dub (2021 Mute)

Over 40 years after the original release of the Post-Punk masterpiece, Y, the band revamped the classic with a live performance as well as a brand new LP of its dub-reconstruction, sonically manipulated by Dennis Bovell, the U.K.'s reggae producer who had mixed the original version.

A crucial, early post-punk release and an outright sonic assault unlike anything heard before or since, In Dub maintains the fierceness of the original and allows Bovell an opportunity to further display his production expertise. The result, a fresh, new companion to Y in the tradition of great Reggae / Dancehall LPs, stripped down to the raw elements of drum and bass for their dub version.


The Pop Group "Words Disobey Me (Dennis Bovell Dub)"


This one is a must-have for old and new fans, alike!


Mark Stewart VS Lee 'Scratch' Perry VS Peter Harris - Alpha (Adrian Sherwood Mix)

Here is a last minute addition and a release that I would be remiss not to mention. Mark teamed up with visual / recording artist Peter Harris and Lee "Scratch" Perry for "Alpha (Adrian Sherwood Mix)" for eMergency heArts, which is a fundraiser to benefit Jamaica's prestigious Alpha Institute.

The collaboration features Fritz Catlin of 23 Skidoo, with production by Xqui, mixed by Adrian Sherwood and mastered by Mark Pistel of Consolidated.


Mark Stewart VS Lee "Scratch" Perry VS Peter Harris - Alpha (eMergency heArts)

This one will be featured on the soon coming compilation of Stewart's collaborative efforts, VS.  Guests include members of Cabaret Voltaire, Front 242, Minutemen and more. Coming March 2022 through eMergency heArts.



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Friday, May 7, 2021

CULTCHA Clash Outer National Record Review: Gaudi - 100 Years of Theremin (The Dub Chapter) (2020 Dubmission Records)

CULTCHA Clash Outer National Record Review:

Gaudi - 100 Years of Theremin (The Dub Chapter)

(released August 2020, Dubmission Records)

 

Gaudi - 100 Years of Theremin (The Dub Chapter) (2020 Dubmission Records)


Available on LP as well as CD and Digitally

This one actually dropped last year and is currently on it's fourth pressing, but I just recently acquired it and believe that it 's better to share late than not at all.

As tribute to the instrument that was invented by Leon Theremin in 1920, the eclectic U.K. based (born in Italy) producer and artist, Gaudi has assembled an A-list line up of producers and players and recorded this amazing LP.


There's not a weak link on the album, so a few of my favorites are the Adrian Sherwood co-produced "Butterfly Dub."



Another choice selection is "Cinematic Dub," with Mad Professor assisting on the mix board.


"Dub's Nine Lives" is another with Sherwood that stands out, but with collaborators like Dennis Bovell, Prince Fatty and Jamaica's technical wizard, Scientist, every track is outstanding.



The Limited Edition 7" single featuring "Theremin In Hand" (a reworking of Lee Perry's "Bird In Hand") and "Theremin Memoir" is also available at https://gaudimusic.bandcamp.com/album/single-gaudi-theremin-in-hand


For more information, check out https://www.gaudimusic.com/





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