This Leeds nine-piece stumbles through a collage of dub, ska and reggae on its way to the outer planets. There's really nothing traditional about this sound; very few artists try to combine all of these sounds at once. None that I know of add tight harmonies and an occasional psychedelic sheen.

Gentleman's Dub Club Lost in Space (Easy Star)

The closest reference to this would be the Slackers, but the charm of that band is in its rough-and-ready approach. GDC is smooth. Even its horns croon rather than wail. The introspective nature of many of these songs is where the band dips deepest into the reggae side of its sound.

Just a very stylish album. The performances are joys unto themselves, but the enveloping sound makes for a wonderful ear cushion. I kept waiting for the band to break character. It never did. This is one smooth set.

When you want to chill down the party, throw this one on. The vibe is spectacular and infectious. The grooves will cleanse your soul.

Jon Worley