Review: More Dub Infusions, Various Artists

The album is electronic music’s most consistently compelling compilation since last year’s Tribal Futures: The Way Ahead.

More Dub Infusions, Various ArtistsCompiled by Berlin-based DJ and music journalist Daniel Haaksman, More Dub Infusions is the successor to last year’s Dub Infusions 1989-1999, a compilation that chronicled the rise of dub influence on electronic music. With the exception of 1985’s “Millions Of Images,” an organic guitar-infused collaboration between legendary beat poet William S. Burroughs and film director Gus Van Sant, Haaksman’s collection focuses more on dub’s here and now. Bigga Bush of Rockers Hi-Fi seamlessly remixes “Illegal,” a track by tech-house masters Swayzak featuring poet Benjamin Zephaniah, creating a tempo-shifting blend of Latin-flavored percussion. Another guest spot comes from Mr. Darth Vader himself, James Earl Jones, on the percussive “Rainbow Dub” from French act Williams Traffic. The dynamic set includes the irresistibly funky “Witness (One Hope)” by acclaimed UK hip-hop head Roots Manuva as well as the atmospheric “Absence Of One,” a sofa-surfing number by Detroit producer Recloose. The album is electronic music’s most consistently compelling compilation since last year’s Tribal Futures: The Way Ahead.

Score: 
 Label: Best Seven/Sonar Kollektiv  Release Date: February 25, 2002  Buy: Amazon

Sal Cinquemani

Sal Cinquemani is the co-founder and co-editor of Slant Magazine. His writing has appeared in Rolling Stone, Billboard, The Village Voice, and others. He is also an award-winning screenwriter/director and festival programmer.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.