Artist: Dub Syndicate Album: Echomania

Year: 1993
Duration: 0:0-1

Echomania by Dub Syndicate - A Critical Review

Are you a fan of reggae and dub music? If so, you have to check out Echomania by Dub Syndicate. This album was released in 1993 and it's a truly innovative take on the genre. Dub Syndicate is a band that was formed in the 1980s by Adrian Sherwood and the late drummer Lincoln Style Scott, who had previously played with the Roots Radics and created drum patterns for many classic reggae songs. In this blog post, we'll give you a brief history of the artist, talk about the music genre of the album, highlight the best songs of the album, pinpoint the most innovative parts, and provide our own criticism of the album.

Dub Syndicate was formed in 1982 by Adrian Sherwood, who is also a renowned producer, mixer, and owner of the ON-U Sound record label. The band's music mixes elements of dub, reggae, punk, and avant-garde. Dub Syndicate's early albums feature collaborations with the likes of Lee Scratch Perry, Bim Sherman, and Prince Far I. Echomania, however, is a more self-contained work, with the band focusing on their own instrumental and vocal abilities.

The album's genre is dub/reggae, but there are definitely some experimental and avant-garde elements here. The music is highly influenced by electronic and dance music, which gives it a unique edge. The rhythms are heavy and complex, with lots of percussion and bass, and the instrumentation includes horns, keyboards, and samples. The vocals are mostly chants, shouts, and sound effects, with occasional harmonized singing.

One of the standout tracks on the album is Stoned Immaculate, which features guest vocals by a young Sinead O'Connor. It's a mesmerizing, hypnotic track with a rolling bassline and polyrhythmic percussion. O'Connor's soaring voice adds an ethereal quality to the track. Another strong track is I'm the Man for You Baby, which has a funky, groove-oriented feel. The vocal sample of a man saying I'm the man for you baby is repeated throughout the song, creating a catchy hook.

One of the most innovative parts of the album is the use of samples and effects. Dub Syndicate make great use of snippets of dialogue from movies and TV shows, as well as various sound effects like sirens, explosions, and animal noises. These samples are often manipulated and mixed in creative ways, adding an extra layer of texture and interest to the music. Additionally, the band employs various techniques like delay and reverb to create a sonic landscape that is otherworldly and surreal.

While Echomania is a solid album overall, it's not without its flaws. Some of the tracks can feel a bit repetitive, with certain motifs and rhythms being used over and over again. Additionally, the lack of strong vocal hooks can make it hard for the listener to fully engage with the music. That being said, the album is definitely worth a listen for fans of reggae and dub, as well as those who enjoy experimental and avant-garde music.

In conclusion, Echomania by Dub Syndicate is a fascinating album that showcases the band's unique take on reggae and dub music. With its heavy rhythms, avant-garde influences, and innovative use of samples and effects, the album is a true testament to the creativity and experimentation that can be found in music. While it's not a perfect album, it's definitely worth exploring for fans of the genre, and for those who are intrigued by the intersection of electronic music and traditional genres. We highly recommend giving it a listen and deciding for yourself if you agree with our critical review.