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John Brown’s Body are back with a big hit of dub

Reggae | Monday 23rd March 2015 | Christina

Two years after releasing the Billboard Reggae Chart-topping Kings And Queens, John Brown’s Body are back with an enthralling dub-driven reworking of the hit album, out on 6th April. Taking inspiration from landmark dub albums by Burning Spear, Aswad, and others, the new release features the entire sequence from Kings And Queens, mixed by a who’s who of dub champions including Ticklah, Dubmatix and UK reggae legend Dennis Bovell.

From the opening track ‘People In The Light Dub’, it is clear to see why John Brown’s Body are renowned as being modern innovators of the genre, with a piercing fanfare-like horn section powering its way through the mix of heavy reverbs and thumping basslines. Mesmerising delays and choked offbeat guitars are a signature of the JBB sound, and Kings And Queens In Dub has all these qualities in abundance, and then some.

It is obvious throughout the album the influence the likes of Scientist and King Tubby have had on their music, as well as UK reggae gurus Dennis Bovell, Yesking and Aswad. ‘Gallows Pole Dub’, remixed by Bovell himself, demonstrates all the characteristics of a classic UK dub tune, highlighting the universal love and admiration of the genre.

Album highlight ‘Land of Plenty Dub’ features none other than Brooklyn-based producer extraordinaire Ticklah, most famously known for his work with Mark Ronson. Ticklah also boasts production credits for the likes of UK superstars Amy Winehouse and Lily Allen, proving his true clout within the music industry circle.

Listen to album track ‘Pulsing Dub’, remixed by UK duo Yesking for a little taster of the album:

Kings And Queens In Dub is yet another vital cog in the JBB machine, with the latest release adding immense value to their already explosive back catalogue. 20 years on since the band’s formation, John Brown’s Body continue to impress with their ability to craft thumping dub anthems.

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