"A New Chapter of Dub" showcases Aswad's signature blend of reggae and dub, characterized by rich, layered soundscapes and a deep, resonant bass. The production emphasizes spaciousness, with echoing vocals and intricate effects that create a hypnotic atmosphere. Tracks like "Dub Fire" and "Shining Dub" feature crisp percussion and swirling synths, while "Natural Aggression" and "Ghetto in the Sky" introduce a more aggressive tempo, infusing energy into the mix. The instrumentation is both organic and electronic, with horns and guitars weaving through the bass-heavy foundation. This album stands out for its innovative use of studio techniques, resulting in a vibrant, immersive listening experience that captures the essence of early '80s reggae dub.

Album: A New Chapter of Dub by Aswad (1982)
Genre: Reggae
Format: Album

Related Artists: Third World, Steel Pulse, Black Uhuru, Burning Spear

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Reggae movement.

Tags: Reggae, 1980s, Album

Additional Context: Available on Discogs marketplace


Spacey effects, rippling currents of sound, and disembodied echoing voices are the defining characteristics of Aswad's excellent NEW CHAPTER IN DUB. Otherworldly sounds and synthesized horns (which bear all the pleasing qualities of early-'80s analog synth sounds) coat the opening "Dub Fire." Aggressively echoed vocals spike "Flikaflame," and "Zion 1," giving the pieces an eerily sinister quality. "Truth" has a softly lilting quality that is largely propelled by Dummie Zeb's lazy drum-roll beat. "Tuffist" sounds like it may have been a horn-driven ska track in its former life. Crests of sound peel away on "Ghetto in the Sky," creating a psychedelic version of the Doppler effect. While there's more than enough on this disc to keep seasoned dub fans busy, NEW CHAPTER IN DUB bears a degree of accessibility that makes it appropriate for newcomers as well.

A New Chapter of Dub

Aswad

Track List

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