Artist: Dub Syndicate Album: The Pounding System (Ambience in Dub)

Year: 1982
Duration: 0:0-1

A critical review of Dub Syndicate's The Pounding System: Ambience in Dub masterpiece.

The Pounding System, a 1982 masterpiece album of Dub Syndicate, takes listeners on a long, chilled, and imaginative journey to the dub sound. This album is an undeniable classic, with a fusion of Jamaican roots and reggae with experimental and contemporary electronic music. It includes seven tracks, and each one is packed full of bold beats fused with ambient sounds that make it a stand-out album in the genre.

Dub Syndicate was a musical group formed by Adrian Sherwood and Lincoln Style Scott in 1982. Dub Syndicate members are known for their dub versions of tracks by other artists and have released numerous albums throughout the years.

The first track on The Pounding System, Pounding System has a forceful opening that sets the tone for the rest of the album. The track is filled with futuristic sounds, including a robotic voice introducing the electronic bassline that drives this track. The second track, Hi-Fi Gets a Pounding, which includes a guitar riff and instrumental arrangement, samples Al Pacino in Scarface and provides listeners with an experience that feels like something between a movie soundtrack and an unusual dream sequence.

The third track, African Headcharge, is a stand-out track on the album. This track features a repetitive bassline, an infectious rhythm that feels like something out of a Quentin Tarantino movie, and sounds of African percussion that give it a unique and beautiful finish. Stoned Immaculate track is also unique with its lively beats and the chords used in the music.

Another track that stands out on this album is Forever More with Blue Room in its original track. This track pairs the electronic sounds with a tune that has jazz touches and sounds of saxophone. The beats of this track remind the listener of classic trance music of the past.

The album's most innovative part is its sound depth, ambience, and textures that transport the listener to different atmospheres that are hard to find in records of similar nature made during that era. The Pounding System was a statement from Dub Syndicate, and it is safe to say that it is still one of the best Dub/Electronic albums that have ever been made.

In conclusion, Dub Syndicate's The Pounding System is a classic and truly incredible album that has stood the test of time. It's a testament to the innovative and experimental music that the band was capable of creating utilizing different sounds and textures. The album was far ahead of its time, and each track showcases the band's exceptional talent. If you're a lover of dub or electronic music, you won't regret taking the time to check out this album. Highly recommended.