Artist: Dub Syndicate Album: Acres of Space

Year: 2001
Duration: 0:0-1

Acres of Space by Dub Syndicate: A Critical Review

Dub Syndicate, formed in the early 1980s, is one of the most influential dub acts that have emerged from the UK reggae scene. The group, led by the legendary Adrian Sherwood, has produced an impressive collection of studio albums and collaborations with other artists. One of their critically acclaimed albums is Acres of Space, released in 1988. This album is a mix of dub and electronic music, which sets it apart from the typical reggae albums. In this blog post, we will provide a critical review of Acres of Space, give a brief history of Dub Syndicate, discuss the music genre of the album, highlight the best songs of the album, the most innovative parts, and provide a critique of the album.

Dub Syndicate was established by Adrian Sherwood, who is known for his innovative production techniques and experimentation with sound. The group started as a studio-only project but later evolved to a full-blown live act. Dub Syndicate's music borrows heavily from Jamaican dub, which combines reggae rhythms with studio effects like reverb and echo. Acres of Space, the album we are reviewing, is a mix of dub and electronic music, infused with Sherwood's distinct production techniques.

The music genre of Acres of Space is a combination of dub (reggae) and electronic music. The album has a unique sound that sets it apart from any other album in the dub/reggae genre. The album’s use of electronic sounds creates an eerie atmosphere, perfect for the themes discussed in the album. The album’s electronic influence is not only evident in the sounds produced but also in the album’s production style.

The best songs of the album are “Hi-Fi Gets a Pounding,” “No Alternative,” “Stoned Immaculate,” and “What Funny Dreams.” These songs showcase the experimental nature of the group’s music while still maintaining the album's theme. “Hi-Fi Gets a Pounding” has a dub/reggae beat, but the electronic sounds in the song create a captivating and futuristic sound.

The most innovative part of Acres of Space is the way Dub Syndicate mixes electronic sounds with dub. Dub is usually known for its minimalistic production, but Dub Syndicate takes it a notch higher by incorporating electronic sounds effortlessly. This album's fusion of traditional dub and electronic music is groundbreaking, and Sherwood's production techniques make it exceptional.

The album is a classic, but it is not without flaws. Some fans might not like its experimental nature, and it may sound dated to some younger listeners. Additionally, the album lacks coherence as the songs are not related to each other thematically. This is a minor flaw, though, as the individual songs on the album are well-crafted and enjoyable on their own.

Acres of Space by Dub Syndicate is a remarkable album that will appeal to dub/reggae fans who enjoy experimental music. The album’s mix of dub/reggae and electronic music is a joy to behold, showcasing Sherwood's genius. The standout tracks on the album, “Hi-Fi Gets a Pounding,” “No Alternative,” “Stoned Immaculate,” and “What Funny Dreams,” show how Dub Syndicate successfully mixed reggae rhythms with electronic sounds. While not without its flaws, Acres of Space by Dub Syndicate is an excellent album that deserves a listen.

Acres of Space by Dub Syndicate is a remarkable album that will appeal to dub/reggae fans who enjoy experimental music. The album’s mix of dub/reggae and electronic music is a joy to behold, showcasing Sherwood's genius. The standout tracks on the album, “Hi-Fi Gets a Pounding,” “No Alternative,” “Stoned Immaculate,” and “What Funny Dreams,” show how Dub Syndicate successfully mixed reggae rhythms with electronic sounds. While not without its flaws, Acres of Space by Dub Syndicate is an excellent album that deserves a listen.