French dub producer Weeding Dub embarked on a mesmerizing musical journey with his latest release, Where We Come From (Wise & Dubwise Recordings, 2022). The double LP showcases his continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of reggae and dub, as having done so since his debut, Stepactivism.
With a career spanning almost two decades, Weeding Dub has since established himself as a prominent figure in the international dub scene. On Friday, 14 July, Black Rhino Radio and Platforma Wolff again join forces for Experiments in Dub #3 where JWeeding Dub will be joined by ocal vibe purveyors Serious Dub and Ursu Dub.
Where We Come From opens with the infectious Rastafari, setting the tone for a captivating experience that blends traditional reggae elements with modern sound and genre. As the album unfolds, one thing becomes clear: Where We Come From is more than just a collection of songs—it's an immersive experience where reggae and dub's diverse and vibrant landscapes are on full display. Tracks such as Jah Jah is the Ruler, Night Drive, and Fighting, Learning, Dubbing are all on the more traditional side, representing these many incarnations., and doing justice to its title.
But collaboration is the driving force on Where We Come From, as Weeding Dub brings together many talented artists to lend their voices to the mix and push the sound into the future. The collaboration with Marina P, Fire in the Belly, adds a soulful touch. In contrast, Solo Banton's gritty delivery adds raw energy to Waiting Game. His second collaboration, Mad, being a surefire sound system hit. Ras Divarius's Balkan-inspired violin elevates Out Of The Blue, building upon their previous successful collaboration on Gypsy Dub. The hip-hop-infused Don't Believe showcases the lyrical prowess of Wise Rockers’ Oulda and English rapper, Skatta.
Upon listening, you can tell the live experience and the soul of dub culture is deeply ingrained in Weeding Dub's musical DNA. It's an energy that permeates Where We Come From. Each track exudes vitality and spontaneity with constantly evolving mixes. The album also reflects Weeding Dub's sound researcher and engineer role. His seamless fusion of influences results in an album that pushes the boundaries of the genre. In an era where genre boundaries should be constantly challenged, Where We Come From successfully bridges the gap between the past and future.
Where We Come From is a testament to Weeding Dub's creative growth and unwavering passion for reggae and dub. So, buckle up and let Weeding Dub guide you through a truly unforgettable musical odyssey. And remember to catch his headlining performance on Friday at Experiments in Dub #3.
