Reggae and its subgenre Dub have spread all over the globe and so it is not surprising that from “Down Under” there are also highly interesting Reggae & Dub albums are released (see review “Nachur”). After the Springtones had already released the reggae version of the Kings Go Forth cult hit “High On Your Love” as a one-drop and Dubversion, the Dad Bod followed Dubs interpretation of “Sweet Dreams” by the Eurythmics. The whole thing was presented by the Australian Dub-Label Cry No More Recordings, which now releases the debut album of “Dubam' Darryl: Textures" released.
Inspired by the funkier side of instrumental reggae, Dubbin' Darryl adds his own unique touch to keyboards, organ and melodica, creating a captivating musical experience.
The EP “Textures” is a psychedelic journey through just four songs Dub-Rhythms with super cool jazz vibes. Dubbin' Darryl convincingly shows us that he can effortlessly delve deep into a world of echoes. Straight from a shed in Witchcliffe, South West Australia, he comes with a haunting barrage of reverberating echoes over sparkling percussion and grooving guiro beats. Darryl, who also plays drums for the improvisationalDubband Dad Bod Dub is inspired by the funkier soul side of instrumental reggae and adds his own musical touch with distorted keyboards, organ and melodica. Today just one example: “Muckaround Dub“ sounds as if the legendary Lee 'Scratch' Perry had his magic fingers in the game. Or is it just a siren-likedubrooster echoing from the fields?
“Textures” is the third release from the new Australian Dub-Label Cry No More Recordings, which was founded by life partners Kellie Bennett (Bass, Guitar, Horn Samples & Production) and Clay Chipper (Beats, Guitar, Keys, Horn Samples & Production). Here they can pursue their love for reggae and Dub-inspired sounds with a pinch of soul and funk.
What also commands my greatest respect is the fact that everything is produced sustainably. Kellie and Clay believe that good music doesn't have to cost the earth, which is why they press on 100% recycled vinyl, use recycled packaging and run their small business on solar energy. They also respect and support the Whadjuk elders and the First Nations communities. Respect!
3 replies to "Dubam' Darryl: Textures (EP)“
Thanks for the reply! Feeling humbled to be included on our favourite blog :)
Hey Kellie, thanks, I'm thrilled with your work!
During my research on “Dubam' Darryl” I came across “Lofi Dreamy Dub Mix of Khruangbin & Vieux Farka Touré” by the Springtones. And as I've always loved listening to Ali Farka Touré's albums, I just had to listen to this mix. Words fail me – simply amazing! Okay, I admit I'm a bit biased. This Tuareg or Sahel sound has been blowing my mind since I saw a concert by a band from Mali or Niger within the walls of Essaouira (Morocco) at the end of the 70s. Trance-like, mind-blowing! There are moments in life when you hear music you've never heard before, and it immediately grabs you. Okay, what I want to say is that apart from “Dubbin' Darryl”, my favourite thing to listen to at the moment is: The Springtones Dub treatment of the collaborative studio album “Ali” with Malian singer and guitarist Vieux Farka Touré and Texan trio Khruangbin. To my ears: Ethereal music from outer space — really great.
I am always fascinated by how you manage to do everything. While I sit here and try to meet the demands, you always manage to find new musical treasures and enchant us with them. For me, the DubBlog is the highest “authority” for new DubGetting to know music and while I'm busy picking the best waves to ride, you're out there finding new things. I've always thought that was a good thing.
Real music connoisseurs who make a kind of pre-selection, from which I can then pick out the (my) essence so that it doesn't become too much for me. I have the feeling that your "early warning system" for the perfect wave works perfectly.
And so this Texture EP is again a very special “wave” that can be ridden very well both with and without a surfboard.
Already at "Dubtopia” I notice how important it can be when a real drummer knows his way around the off-beat and feels comfortable with it. This feeling of well-being and the exciting little improvisations spill over, reinforced by the joy of using
classic and new DubEffects, immediately passed on to me. And the bass line also gives me no reason for criticism. I am particularly pleased that the saxophone is only allowed to play for a short time before it is sent back "into the goal". The very effectively used effects go far beyond reverb and echo and once again create the feeling that, contrary to all the laws of physics, gravity can actually be shielded. "Everything is possible!" to quote the magician Lee "Scratch" Perry again. "Dub makes all things new!”
Everything that I have learned here at “Dubtopia” has already been noticed so extremely positively, “Muckaround Dub“ is even more powerful. The fun of using DubEffects and samples from all areas of earthly and extraterrestrial existence, should be available to every DubConnoisseur will also bring tears of joy to his eyes. And the drummer plays at the highest level, if I am not mistaken. It is a pity that he could only maintain this level for two minutes. For me, this great Dub at least three times as long, which it does if I have switched on the repeat function in time. Even if this is perhaps only my personal perception, I would like to emphasize again that I like this way of playing the drummer and the joyful use of a whole “torrent” of Dub – and sound effects as the most appreciated aggroDub Not just good vibes, but strong vibes. Your back straightens and your chest swells ;-) …….
But a real DubOf course, Connaisseur has not only ears for AggroDub, but also a feeling for the beauty in life. And that's where "Happy Steppa" comes into play. Here it's not so much the effects that are in the foreground for me, but this wonderful, very charming riddim, which is of course once again created by the cheerful bias line. It creates a very fluffy and relaxing feeling for me, which is, however, brought to perfection in the best possible way by the very finely played other instruments. A really wonderful piece of music for me with the potential of a passing favoriteDubs, because I know you already have something new in the PipeLine ……. And I fear that this Dub ends up in the great ocean of MusicDrops and becomes a kind of homeopathic medicine.
Unless I can get hold of – conveniently (from my store, that is) – a recycled vinyl copy of this very listenable EP.
I also really like Kellie and Clay's philosophy.
Unfortunately, the discs would then have to be shipped or “flown”
which could then again give rise to criticism.
But when it comes to “protecting the climate”, one should not necessarily cut corners …………………… ;-)
Greetings, so long and Cool Runnings …………………….. lemmi