“It’s a new concept you have to get used to: the best dub and dub-oriented reggae no longer comes from England or France (and not from Germany or even Jamaica). It comes from – Canada! This is where the genre’s busiest, most talented and possibly cleverest producer hails from: Dubmatix. Not only a studio virtuoso, but also an incredibly profound artist and perfectionist whose sure-fire instinct for the ultimate groove productions defines the current state of the art in the genre”, wrote René Wynands in Riddim-Mag (Nov/Dec 2013). There’s not much we can add to that. With his debut album Champion Soundclash (2005), and a total of 7 albums and a mind-blowing number of digital releases and remixes, Jesse King aka Dubmatix has conquered the world of dub and reggae. In everything he does he reveals a fine instinct for intricate and supremely skillful compositions full of unexpected twists and turns. Dubmatix has the power to surprise, not by using volume or of-the-moment gimmicks, but through clever, occasionally low-key but always absolutely compelling skills. His previous albums featured a whole array of illustrious guests, including U-Roy, Cornel Campbell, Horace Andy and Michael Rose, with the instrumental dub tracks taking a back seat. This is set to change on Dubmatix In Dub, the new album. 12 pounding dubs merge seamlessly into each other. All are ideal for bringing the dancefloors of the dub universe to boiling point. Heavy bass for heavy dancing! Dubmatix uses effects with masterful efficiency – never overloaded, always absolutely on target. Any voices that appear (the album features Earl 16 and Dennis Alcapone as guests) are deconstructed and integrated as elements in the mix. Although this album works as a seamless whole, check out Mad Massa Gana Dub and 16 Stone Dub to get a sense of the album.
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