Nothin’ Sez Somethin’: Sound Systember 28

The end of this project is approaching and there is still much to be discussed. This post will be quite a mix of musical shares. I have tried to move this labor of love through time to the present day. UK Dub is as sincere today as ever. Sound Systems still has a place that is blessed by many. There are artists, producers, selectors and crews who create pure sounds every day. Here are a handful of diverse sound systems working hard to continue running the gauntlet of sound culture in Britain.

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Bristol is the source of Massive Attack’s granular electronica and was a ground zero for trip hop, jungle and DnB throughout the ’90s, but the city would be a very different entity if it weren’t for the Sound System culture. One of the many teams continuing Bristol’s pioneering legacy today is Maasai Warrior, the seven-piece self-proclaimed ‘Thunder Weight Sound’, born in the St. Paul’s area in 2010. Led by Ben Maasai and consisting of Sound Clash -veterans, MCs, & selectors loaded with unique Dubplates, Maasai have long been a source of pride for West Country Sound Warriors.

Sound System culture can sometimes be a purist pursuit, following strict rules written by the System Elders of the past. But every now and then someone comes along and disrupts the order. This is reflected in Kai Dub’s experimental productions such as Dub Forward. Kai Dub, former member of Maasai, makes his niche as a solo producer from DigiDub’s Casio rhythms and dark, brooding basslines drenched in space echo. As resident producer and owner of the Dub Forward label, Kai can usually be found behind walls of equalizers, compressors and turntables, fueling the dance on various systems in his home city of Bristol.

Here’s an EP from Kai Dub on the Lion’s Den label, along with some of the Lion’s Den Sound System crew and some bonus tracks from his own Dub Forward label.

Here’s a recent edit of songs from the original Maasai Warrior Sound System, from Kai’s time as a member, done in his Dub Forward style…

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Sinai Sound System from Sheffield is undoubtedly one of the best sound systems the UK has to offer and has been a regular at Outlook over the years. In 2019 they released their custom Sound & a stack of killer Dubs. Their Sound System produces mainly on 80’s and 90’s hardware, inspired by all the greats from 70’s Roots & Dub to today’s Steppers style, presenting UK influenced Roots reggae music in the traditional style with Cheff at the buttons.

Here is a set recorded live at SUBDUB 21 in the SUBDUB Arena, Saturday September 7, 2019…

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Electrikal Sound System is a progressive consortium of bass music event specialists based in Edinburgh, Scotland. Founded in 2009, their distinctive 50 kW custom sound system is optimized for sub-bass frequency music.

As a collective they provide the sound system, decor and lighting for events and festivals across the UK – including the Boomtown Fair Street Party, Belladrum’s Temple of Dub, on board Outlook & Dimensions’ famous Croatian boat parties and provide a skate ramp – stage in collaboration with Sika Records at NASS Festival.

Electric sound system is here to help us party. All we need is the strength.

Intro
Gorillaz in the middle
Double plate Skooler
Unite I and I
Wealth on the water
Diameter Electrical
It’s getting hot here
Ganja Rubadub
Uitro

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Next we discover Undercover Cockney. One of the newest Sounds I’m sharing today, Undercover Cockney, is Nick Philpin and Paul Emile from London. They both have eclectic backgrounds as touring musicians, producers, deejays and general musical malarkey. Inspired by London’s melting pot of sounds, the aim is to create a musical experience that seamlessly combines Dub, traditional reggae and rocksteady with both classical and contemporary influences. The result is a fusion of genres that transcends boundaries. The duo flawlessly integrates electronic & rock ‘n’ roll elements into their Dub & Reggae foundation.

Underground Cockney does live sets in the UK and has their own radio Clash.

Here’s a mixtape of one of their live sets from earlier this year…

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Finally, there’s the Bokeh Versions sound system. Their sound is the most advanced of all the sounds I shared today.

Bristol’s electronic music scene is stimulating, with labels, promoters, DJs and producers emerging from the city’s Dub reggae roots. In recent years, label crews like Timedance & Livity have adapted Sound Dub, dubstep and other sub-bass-oriented genres to new styles of British techno.

Others, like Bokeh, have approached the city’s heritage from a different angle. In recent years, Bokeh Versions has drawn from numerous influences relating to Bristol’s DIY Sound System culture and an international selection of Dub, dancehall, reggae, industrial and noise artists.

Here is an extensive mix of BKV Industrial & Robin Stewart featuring almost all the artists associated with Bokeh and the Bokeh philosophy. The styles are very varied, but it is easy to follow the thread they have in common, a fine thread of the richest silk Dub. Nearly two hours of top-notch songs…

Sound-oriented into the future,
NO