Abundance
Color Red, 2022
8/10
An outfit who draw from a lengthy line of influences in the area of reggae nods and sound system culture that’s fully immersed in dub music, Death By Dub is led by Dan Africano and Scott Flynn, who welcome many players into this well thought out debut.
“Truth & Justice” opens the listen with fluid drumming, as Africano’s playful bass work and the intricate guitar lines are met with soft brass, and “Invasion” follows with a bit of atmosphere that segues into the hazy rhythm and textured reggae sounds.
The title track occupies the middle spot and glides with a hazy and breezy demeanor, while “Kibosh” benefits much from the flowing drums and dynamic interaction between the many skilled players.
Nearing the end, “Milk Dub” takes a more cautious approach of soulful sax and Flynn’s proficient trombone, and “Sinkhole” exits the listen with a timeless and exciting meshing of reggae and dub that fans of the genres will find irresistible.
Both Africano and Flynn settled down in Denver in 2018, and they brought their long interest in music to this ensemble that enlists Drew Sayers (tenor sax), Jonny Jyemo (drums), Jeff Franca (drums, percussion), Ryan Jalbert (guitar), Mike Tallman (guitar), Wylie Jones (piano, organ), Russ Friedell (Organ), Eric Luba (organ) and Neal Evans (percussion). An outstanding first effort, let’s hope there’s more on the horizon soon for Death By Dub.
Travels well with: John Brown’s Body- Fireflies; Free Radicals- White Power Outage, Vol. 2