Artist: 38 Dub Band Album: Volume 1

Year: 1999
Duration: 0:0-1

A Deep Dive into 38 Dub Band's Volume 1 Album

Dub music has always been known to fuse reggae with a range of other genres like hip hop, blues, and jazz. But amidst this array of sounds, one band, in particular, has caught the attention of both reggae and dub aficionados - 38 Dub Band. A four-piece band hailing from the UK, 38 Dub Band has released several albums, but today, we're focusing on their volume 1 album. Join us for a of the album with an exploration of the band's brief history, the music genre of the album, the best songs of the album, the most innovative parts, and an honest critique of the album.
38 Dub Band's volume 1 album was released in 2015 and was a sprawling nod to the band's vintage reggae influences. The band has come a long way from its roots, which trace back to the 80s when they were known as 38 Clash, a punk band. 38 Dub Band currently includes members like Dan (bass), Simon (guitar), Duffers (drums), and Sam (keyboards), and their influences are drawn from roots and classic reggae. This diverse range of influences is reflected in their sound, which blends traditional instrumental dub with a modern electronic twist.
As we move further into the album's composition, it's easy to notice the eclectic fusion of sounds and music genres that define their style. The music genre of this album is essentially dub, yet with influences drawn from reggae, blues, and jazz. The album's overall sound is characterised as being dark, distorted, and moody, with the band's instrumentation offering spatial depth and atmosphere that keeps the listener's interest piqued.
Of the album's ten tracks, four stand out. Titled after the album's title, Volume 1, positions itself as a fan favourite with its hypnotic drumbeat, floating bass, and guitar riffs that hang on a cloudy reverb. Other catchy tracks from the album include Dub Walk and Way Up High, each revealing their own unique artistry and sound.
One of the most innovative moments on the album comes in the form of their expert use of echo and reverb to create a sensation of space and depth. For example, the track Blowing Bubbles makes use of a phaser on its guitar melodies and tinkling keys, filling in the background with bubbling dynamics, while the track Money As Debt incorporates unusual studio techniques, where drum patterns are thrown through an echo and dope choruses are multiplied to create a full-bodied sound.
While the album has its strengths, it's also subject to criticism. The tracks tend to overlap and create a monotonous sound that may wear down the listener's attention span. Additionally, the band's instrumentation on certain tracks lacks emotional nuance that would keep the listener's interest in its melodies.
In conclusion, 38 Dub Band's volume 1 album is an excellent showcase of vintage dub, influenced by an eclectic mix of sounds and genres. It's an album that may be daunting for new listeners but will undoubtedly reward those with an ear to explore nuanced soundscapes. While it's not without its flaws, the band's ability to blend old and new is innovative and provides a testament to their skills as musicians. If you're searching for an album that's guaranteed to captivate the nuances of dub, 38 Dub Band's volume 1 album comes highly recommended.
In conclusion, 38 Dub Band's volume 1 album is an excellent showcase of vintage dub, influenced by an eclectic mix of sounds and genres. It's an album that may be daunting for new listeners but will undoubtedly reward those with an ear to explore nuanced soundscapes. While it's not without its flaws, the band's ability to blend old and new is innovative and provides a testament to their skills as musicians. If you're searching for an album that's guaranteed to captivate the nuances of dub, 38 Dub Band's volume 1 album comes highly recommended.