John Brown’s Body – Kings And Queens In Dub
- Written by Rob Crozier
Easy Star Records are quickly making a name for themselves as the go-to reggae label in New York and beyond.
The emergence of new reggae and dub acts are quickly becoming the foundations of an exciting new genre. We are all familiar with the legends of reggae, however it is new acts, as in all music, that keeps a scene thriving. With the emergence of bands like The Skints, New Kingston, Mungo’s Hi Fi, and Stephen Marley headlining Boomtown Fair this year, the continued rise of reggae is easily illustrated. Add to this the work of DJ/selectors, such as the mighty David Rodigan, and reggae and dub is getting a new lease of life.
Fresh out of New York and Massachusetts come John Brown’s Body, and truth be told, this is a dub outfit we knew little about. However, music is a wonderful exciting journey and so discovering new bands is purely random, that is what makes new music so exciting.
A straight up dub album in the old traditions is always welcome. ‘Worldwide Dub’ for example mixes old techniques drawn from reggae’s vaults. Slow head bobbing basslines with carefully crafted horns and vocal echoes sit easily alongside new styled jangled guitars.
‘Sound and Fury Dub’ continues in this vein as old meets new. Layered basslines compete as digital synths wail and rise, before an excellent brass section bring the entire track together. The influences of legendary dub producers such as King Tubby and Scientist are obvious. These elements allow the band to blend together and produce wonderful dub, laced with heavy modern horn sections complimented by a wonderful use of delay and off beat guitars.
This album comes two years after the original studio album was released. As refreshing as a new dub album is, it’s even more refreshing that it's coming from the ever growing United States reggae scene.
Other album highlights include the refreshing ‘Land of Plenty Dub’ which features none other than Brooklyn-based producer extraordinaire Ticklah known for his work with Mark Ronson, Amy Winehouse and Lily Allen. With the track’s modern approach, with almost pop based sensibilities, it is easy to see why he is in such high demand. ‘Gallows Pole Dub’, which has been produced and dubbed by legendary UK reggae icon Dennis Bovell, again showcases the band’s emergence and growth within both the US and internationally.
Kings And Queens In Dub yet again proves the band’s growing reputation. It’s not like the band are new to the scene: 20 years since the band’s formation, John Brown’s Body continue to impress with their ability to craft thumping dub anthems.