A fine production can help peak ones interest in a new album you know nothing about nor the personel involved the fact its on a label who have pedigree for previous releases like Heavy Drapes and New York Junk is enough fo rthis album to hit my player and sit back and let the sounds wash over me.

I’m instantly hit by the mixing pot o finstrumentation going on throughout the opening few songs, reminding me of Strummer and his X Ray Smilie period. Throwing everything at the mix from Melodicas, percussive hits n clicks it’s a liad back bass heavy dub zone on ‘Casino Ghost’ which follows ‘The Whip’ and ‘Blackhill Transmitter’ through the door of interesting post punk rumblings. There are flavours of Joy Division style, but not the cold concrete exterior, more in the vocal department from John McNeill. But the ghost of Strummer looks large over proceedings, which is never a bad thing.

Tune In and drop out for the ‘Prophets Of Dub’ which ghosts in on a meandering thick bit of Bass and atmospherics. I wouldn’t have minded some lyrics to help this one along though.

I’m a sucker for some heavy dub (who isn’t?). Side two starts with the excellent ‘Eye For An Eye’ which weaves a mellow vibe of dubtastic grooves. Continuing the Dub theme its like the late 70s UK and house parties with huge walls of speakers and dancing floorboards as ‘Can’t Blame The River’ washes over you with its horns n keys for good measure.

Sure, it’s not for everyone, and you have to be in the right frame of mind for a lot of this album, but when it does hit the bullseye, it’s great stuff. ‘Brittle’ has added vocals from Mella Barnes.

The album sails away on the sultry saxophone of ‘Million Miles’, adding another dreamy texture with some fine alternative pop I’m again hearing hints of Bernard Sumners songwriting style to compliment the already Strummer heavy influences throughout the album which is a breath of fresh air and proving it doesn’t always have to be loud noisy and chaotic it can also be the complet opposite.

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Author: Dom Daley