Artist: Dub Syndicate Album: One Way System

Year: 1983
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Review of Dub Syndicate's One Way System

Dub Syndicate is a British dub music group formed by musician Adrian Sherwood in the early 1980s. With a unique blend of dub and African rhythms, the group has a cult following among fans of the genre. In 1983, they released their first album, One Way System, showcasing their signature sound and establishing themselves as one of the most innovative groups in dub music. In this critical review, we will examine the album's history, genre, best songs, and most innovative parts, as well as providing our own critique.

First, let's dive into the history of Dub Syndicate and their music. Growing up in London's punk rock scene, Adrian Sherwood was greatly inspired by Jamaican dub music. He started experimenting with dub rhythms and production techniques in the late 1970s and formed On-U Sound Records in 1981. Dub Syndicate was initially conceived as a side project for Sherwood to explore his love of dub music, but it quickly gained a following and became a full-time project for him.

One Way System is a classic example of a dub album, characterized by its heavy use of reverb, delay, and echo effects on instruments and vocals. Dub music is essentially a remix of reggae music, with the addition of electronic effects and a greater emphasis on bass and drum rhythms. The album also incorporates elements of African music, with the use of instruments like the balafon (a West African xylophone) and the kalimba (an African thumb piano).

The best songs on the album are Future Millionaires, One Way System, and Hi-Fi Gets a Pounding. These songs showcase the group's use of complex rhythms, eerie soundscapes, and clever wordplay. Future Millionaires is a standout track, with its catchy melody and dystopian lyrics, warning of a future where greed is all that counts. One Way System is an instrumental track that builds on a heavy drum rhythm, creating a trance-like atmosphere. Hi-Fi Gets a Pounding is a playful track that features humorous lyrics about the power of music to transcend barriers.

One of the most innovative parts of the album is the use of live instrumentation, which is rare in dub music. Dub Syndicate's use of live instruments, such as the trumpet and saxophone, gives the album a more organic feel, while still retaining the signature dub sound. They also incorporate a variety of samples, including snippets of speeches and radio broadcasts, which add to the political and social commentary in the lyrics.

Now, let's get into the critique of the album. As much as we love One Way System, it is not a perfect album. Some of the tracks, such as Environmental Holes & Drastic Tricks and Over Board, fall flat and lack the energy and creativity of the other tracks on the album. Additionally, some of the lyrics can come off as heavy-handed at times, preaching about social and political issues without always hitting the mark.

In conclusion, Dub Syndicate's One Way System is a classic album that has stood the test of time. It showcases the group's innovative use of dub rhythms and African instrumentation, as well as their incorporation of political and social commentary. While not every track is a standout, the album as a whole is a must-listen for fans of dub music and those who appreciate experimental, politically-conscious music. Dub Syndicate's legacy has continued to inspire future generations of musicians, and One Way System remains a testament to their creative genius.