Not entirely new, as the late Style Scott is not present to bring new rhythms to life. Adrian Sherwood dove back into recordings from 1989 to 1996, stripped out some beats and then created something new on top.

Dub Syndicate Obscured by Version (On-U Sound)

Assisted by Cyrus Richard of the Dub Asante Band, Sherwood has fashioned something of a tribute to that period. It's not a coincidence that On-U is also re-issuing Dub Syndicate albums from that period (and a compilation album for those who prefer to merely dip their toes in the sound). Sometimes commercial realities can create something special.

Sherwood isn't quite able to make this set sound as vital as his physical connections with Scott, but these reexaminations do connect. The beats and sounds are as mind-expanding as they were some 30-odd years ago. Dub is one of those sounds that is simple in concept but often multiplicative in its execution. To really make it work, producer and musicians must be aligned.

Again, this does not reach the heights of the best Dub Syndicate efforts. Go check out the re-issues for that. But Sherwood has found new life in old bones, and many of these pieces are stunning. A reunion would be impossible, but this is the next best thing.

Jon Worley