Murder Tone

Mostly instrumental reggae-based dub. This material was recorded near Dub Syndicate’s heyday in the early 90s, though held back until now. There are some interesting touches on tracks featuring Bim Sherman’s voice and Talvin Singh’s Indian accents, not to mention the appearance of Lee Perry. Aside from these, the tracks are solid grooves with the dub chamber barrel of effects liberally applied and vocal samples sprinkled on top.

1. Solid groove
2. Bim Sherman’s clear and beautiful voice bounces in and out
3. Straight-ahead dub groove with the occasional recited vocal line
4. The indisputable highlight of this set – exactly what the title states – Reggae Raga; a mellow but space-y rhythm juxtaposed against a tanpura drone and swooping violin lines
5. Chukka-chukka
6. Sort of a happy-time tune
7. “Power, the REAL power … power … power” recited over massive bassline; “real power” is what that bass amp is consuming, dude
8. Pleasantly bouncy piano chords, lyrics about getting a proper education (i.e., an unofficial one)
9. Polite version of a song that has had much heavier treatments
10. Siren-like buzzing; still a bit polite
11. Flute(like) and bassline
12. Gilligan’s Dub Island?
13. Bit of tabla and phased trumpet but not really that interesting
14. Mighty chord progressions and shrill (but not overpowering) guitar noise
15. Sweet saxophone and melodica – a tribute to Augustus Pablo
16. Cheesy keyboard plinking but despite that, it’s sort of a pleasant tune
17. Lovely bass hook underneath the ethereal flute