Artist: Dubphonic Album: Relight

Year: 2009
Duration: 0:0-1

Relight: A Dubphonic Album Critique

Dubphonic is a group well-known for its modern take on reggae music, which has earned them a reputation as one of the most innovative and exciting upcoming artists in the genre. Notably, Relight, their 2009 album, has been the talk of the music industry, with mixed reactions and reviews. In this blog post, we will offer a critical review of the album, its historical and musical significance, and the standout tracks, as well as its most innovative features.

Dubphonic's Relight is an album released in 2009, delivering their particular blend of reggae, dub music, and electro-beats with passion. The band, consisting of Cheko, Yatzee, DJ Lutto, and Stiro, has been compared to producers and bands such as Thievery Corporation, Massive Attack, and even Radiohead. Though the band is relatively new compared to other reggae acts, they have managed to gain an immense following since their inception, with Relight being a significant milestone in their music journey.

Relight's musical style comprises a fusion of reggae-inspired tunes, tempos, and rhythms combined with modern technology to create the signature Dubphonic sound. The album's tracks are experimental, exploring new sonic reaches that catapult listeners into different dimensions, which is evident in songs like Everything is Possible and Revolution.

One standout track that showcased the band's talents and striking commentary was Herb in Dub. Here, the typical bassline and piano sounds are laced with a harsh, choppy beat that gives it an edge. The added reggae tribute at the start adds a cultural touch to the song and complements the underlying message. Another track, Dangerous is another highlight with its catchy chorus and infectious beat that keeps you moving. DJ Lutto's scratches on the table are breathtaking and complements the overall production quality.

Relight also boasts of some of the album's most innovative parts. The band tastefully incorporation of classic dub sound elements, such as the reverb guitars and riddims, with the latest electronic rhythms creates a great sounding album that does justice to the Dubphonic brand. The band demonstrated their technical prowess in the production of this album. Their harmonious attention to beats, beat progression, and overall composition sets the benchmark for modern reggae acts.

Critically analyzing the album in its entirety, one cannot ignore the repetitive aspects of the music. For instance, in the song Pick up the Pieces, the backing track is unvaried and uses the same beat throughout, making the song feel monotonous and predictable. Another issue with the album is that the band could have produced something better if they had been even more audacious. Dubphonic's initial promise was not fully delivered in Relight, as they seem to have played it safe with the music style and melody choices throughout.

In conclusion, Relight by Dubphonic is an excellent album that balances the old school reggae sound with modernity allowing it to capture a more expansive audience. While it has some monotonous sections, and the band could have taken more creative liberties; Dubphonic delivered on their mission to deliver high-quality reggae-dub music to listeners. If you are a fan of reggae, Dubphonic is a band to watch out for, and Relight is an album worth checking out. Ultimately, however, you are free to voice your thoughts and opinions in the comment section below to let us know your favorite and least favorite aspects of the album.