Review of Blasts Dubstep Into Outer Space Album by The Scientist

Over the course his illustrious career, dub reggae experimentalist Scientist has won the world cup, saved the world from vampires, encountered Pac-man, taken dub into another dimension, fought space invaders, and become the heavyweight dub champion. What's more he's always found time to record a concept album commemorating the occasion, complete with pleasingly ridiculous cartoonish cover-art. In the circumstances, he probably regards blasting dubstep into outer space as a bit of light relief. Regardless, there can be no doubt that Tectonic label head Pinch has put a lot of hard work into this remix project: he's assembled an impressive cast of big-name dubstep producers, all of whom have submitted previously unreleased tracks. The first disc collects the original versions of these songs; the second disc consists of Scientist's dubby reworkings. Each CD is good enough by itself to justify the existence of this release. Together, they make it an essential purchase.

The Scientist Blasts Dubstep Into Outer Space Album

Many of the original tracks will already be known to dubstep fans. Mala's impressive 'City Cycle', which approximates the sound of a computer collapsing under the strain of fighting off waves of slow-motion bass, has been doing the rounds for several months now, but still sounds fresh and essential; likewise the relentless industrial rumble of Distance's 'Ill Kontent'. If it's good that those tracks have now got an official release, it's even better to see fresher tunes by big scene names like Shackleton, Kode9 and King Midas Sound collected together. King Midas Sound's 'U', in particular, is a keeper, a creepy crawly journey through a pitch-black night. 'Never lost my soul to no woman but you, but you' moans vocalist Roger Robinson, a line which could in theory be romantic but, swamped by nauseous synths and skittish beats, sounds despairing. Kode9 has always been marmite for dubstep heads, but there's also much to admire about the way in which 'Abeng' traps singer Spaceape in an increasingly complex cage of beats and odd electronic tones. Other highlights include Guido's playfully purple 'Korg Back' and the confident strut of Pinch's '2012'.

The Scientist remixes will be of particular interest to many because they represent a collision between dub music's past and its present. It's easy to feel that the mixes are Important (with a capital I) because they are the result of a man who is undoubtedly a hero to many in the dubstep scene working with the music of his disciples. Luckily, Scientist doesn't let any sense of occasion get in the way of making great music. Many of the tricks he pulls here are familiar: long-time fans will, for example, recognise his frequent employment of reverb to create a trippy, spaced-out sound which verges on psychedelia. Familiarity shouldn't breed contempt, however. The manner in which he subtly twists and rips the original tracks to create something new, adding a dash of percussion here and a disconcerting echo there, is consistently impressive. His hard-hitting reimagining of 'Abeng', complete with militant snare hits, is a thing of wonder. As with the first disc, there's much to love and very little not to like. A great compilation which should appeal to several generations of dub heads.

Nick Gale


Site - http://www.myspace.com/scientist

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