Dub music thrived in 1970s Jamaica, propelled by visionary sound engineers like King Tubby, Lee “Scratch” Perry, and Errol “ET” Thompson. They reshaped reggae by isolating its rhythmic foundations and infusing tracks with layers of echo, reverb, and delay to create mesmerizing, atmospheric soundscapes that defined the genre. Dub quickly became a pillar of Jamaican musical innovation and resonated with listeners far beyond the island’s shores. However, by the mid-1980s, its dominance and popularity waned as dancehall surged to the forefront of Jamaica’s music scene. Dub retreated into niche territory, with local producers and engineers showing diminishing interest in releasing full-length dub albums.
Over half a century after The Upsetters’ Blackboard Jungle Dub ignited the dub craze, Kingston-based label Young Veterans Music carries the torch forward with a fresh Jamaican dub project titled Dub Kingston. Spearheading the effort is Young Veterans’ co-founder, producer and mixing/mastering engineer Sheldon Pennicott who carefully selected nine tracks from the label’s catalog and transformed them into immersive dub versions, showcasing both technical finesse and deep reverence for the genre’s roots.
Dub Kingston reaffirms Young Veterans Music’s signature fusion of timeless reggae riddims and contemporary sonic textures, honoring tradition while fearlessly exploring new musical terrain. The album brings together a stellar lineup of artists who’ve been part of the label’s journey over the past two decades, featuring powerful collaborations with globally respected reggae artists like Warrior King, Etana, Sizzla Kalonji, Ginjah, Capleton, and Luciano. Their vocals weave in and out of the mix, adding soulful layers to a soundscape anchored by rich, live-played riddims that pulse with authenticity and depth.
Whether you’re into dub or just a casual listener, this release is a sonic journey that captivates from the first track to the last. Tracks like Calling Jah In Dub featuring Warrior King, Kingston Town In Dub with Fantan Mojah, Turbulence & Capleton, Street Cry In Dub featuring Sizzla, Luciano & Turbulence, and Cutchie Time In Dub with Kandi Man & Dillinger are undeniable heavyweights, each one inviting repeated listening with their appealing grooves and powerful vocal interplay.
