Okay, this review is a bit late for May Day, but the EP by "IRIEspect: Lost in" is perfect for a relaxed dance. Dub"Still a recommendation."
The DubFollowing good old tradition, the vocal album "Lost in Time" preceded the album in winter 2025. Even then, IRIEspect, the band founded in 2019 by a few friends on the East Coast of the USA, had already demonstrated that they had undergone a remarkable evolution after several lineup changes. The five members of the New York-based band, who combine reggae with rock, hip-hop, and Latin American sounds, are already quite well-known in the USA due to their up to 200 performances annually. They have shared the stage with various artists, including Barrington Levy, Inner Circle, Sister Nancy, Jesse Royal, Steel Pulse, and Long Beach. Dub Allstars and Easy Star Allstars.
To the album “IRIEspect: Lost in Dub" :
Even the first sounds of "Want Me Dub“These songs are simply catchy. Ras Ajai’s captivating voice floats through the room, while Caribbean steel drum sounds create a pleasant atmosphere.
“Nuh Leave Mi A Dub“The album presents itself with Jamaican artist Skygrass in a more intense and, in particular, more “dancehall-focused” way.” Dub IRIEspect captivates with its powerful basslines and vocals, perfectly suited for dance floors and sound systems. You can almost physically feel the energy. Here, IRIEspect particularly demonstrates their talent for bringing vibrant dynamics to a recording structure.
The centerpiece of the EP is “Lost Dub“, a piece that is for Dub exhibiting typical depth and heaviness, and contrasting with the lighter, more upbeat beats through rich brass arrangements and diverse instrumentation.
This is followed by a dubByesque reinterpretation of Manu Chao's world hit by the "Me Gustas" Dub“The parts sung in English and Spanish transition into Latin reggae with hip-hop elements. A melodica enters, and with this subtle rhythmic elegance, this track becomes the highlight of the album for me.”
The rather rougher, slightly punky end of the twenty-minute mini-album is delivered by "Dangerous". Dub“with Duvbear, the son of Matisyahu. Here too, IRIEspect prove their fearless handling of genre-crossing textures with energetic riffs, dynamic transitions, and raw-sounding vocals. A successful conclusion and at the same time a contrast to the more catchy sections of the EP. IRIEspect are an absolute discovery for me!”
2 replies to “IRIEspect: Lost In Dub"
I'm really hooked! A wonderful discovery, driving, motivating, and melodic. The tracks captivate me with their perfectly placed pauses in the drums and bass and the driving offbeat rhythms of the keyboard/guitar.
The "me gustas" version has the massive advantage of being well-known and is therefore quite appealing. Nevertheless, it's finely nuanced.dubThat could also backfire…
It's like an open house again here, as far as the effects presentation is concerned. I really like that. The reggae off-beats from the keyboard and guitar, in particular, have this sublime reverb that not only amplifies the high, almost divine sounds but also makes them extremely palatable to me. This creates a very open soundstage, which doesn't lose the slightest bit of density through the bass lines. Everything remains solid, without dissipating, which can sometimes happen with this "fluffy" sound. The overall impression, right down to the details, like the rocking lead guitar in "Dangerous," is excellent. Dub“It reminds me a lot of Chuck Foster productions, who brought us good to very good films from the Pacific side of the USA Dubs supplied (though without satisfying me tactilely). The Americans have often caught my attention with their effects-driven approach, which creates a sound beyond any gloom and always impresses me. That reminds me of a Scholars Word album, now quite "aged".Dub The album is called “Collection” (!).
Good stuff is still blowing through the air……………… lemmi