(Virgin)

The eagerly awaited release One Drop East from Kiwi dub merchants Salmonella Dub has finally arrived. Having taken a break to record the album after their Outside The Dubplates release. The recording for this release was done at Kaikoura on New Zealand’s South Island (the world’s most easterly recording studio). The group commented that the album has been heavily influenced by the epic landscapes surrounding the studio, where vast mountain ranges meet 2km deep ocean canyons as represented in the photos on the CD’s booklet.

The group consists of 5 members Andrew Penman, David Deakins, Mark Tyler, Conan Wicox & Tiki Taane; each playing a variety of instruments and percussion throughout the tracks on this release. Each tracks provides an insight into the eclectic musical tastes and influences of each of the group members. They have also tried to capture and represent the energy they are known for during their live shows. The description in the bio is pretty much spot on if you have not heard their distinctive sound: “Salmonella Dub blends a hybrid of skankin roots reggae, low rolling dub bass lines with drum n bass breaks in a distinctly Pacific style”

The first track Longtime starts off with tripped out spatial reggae sounds. As this track cruises along you can feel relaxation sink in, and the lyrics provide a very welcoming start to the cd. Slide is next, featuring Tiki on acoustic strums over a groovy rolling basslines, while the harmonised vocals create a dreamy ambience throughout the epic track. The crisp dub beats in each of these tracks seem to roll in and out of the melodies. Like a live set, the tracks builds in intensity, the single Dancehall Girl providing a hype-up feel, with its bouncing trumpet melodies.

Nu Steppa proves this crews ability to test your system with the quality D&B they have been renowned for in the past. Simply an awesome track with a kickin’ beat and dirty dark melodies. Dub Survivor moves towards to a deep dub sound with a cheeky bassline grumbling out the melodies. The reggae influences and brass return in Ez On for a nice upbeat breaks backed track. The off step bass line that pokes through Octopus, keeping the energy changing as the cd kicks on. Simmer Down does justice to its title; bringing back a relaxed dub beat and tinkling melodies and sounds. Pure is another up-tempo number with some beautiful and unique bass sounds and melodies. This is the sort of track which could fill a dancefloor with energy or be enjoyed in a comfy lounge simply for its majestic hi-fidelity sounds. The final track: Bubble rocks to the finish with a big beat and more delicious harmonies and spatial melodies.

As this last tune finishes you begin to wish there was a second disc to this release so it can keep going. The flavour of this cd can be summarised as spatial and swirling atmospheric grooves. The live acoustic percussion throughout adds a great touch to Salmonella Dub sound and the quality production can be heard in the depth of each of the tracks; each of them sounding great at low or high volume. Highly recommended for anyone who loves dub and break beats with a touch of reggae influence!

Out now through Virgin Records

Tracklisting:

01 Longtime
02 Slide
03 Dancehall Girl
04 Nu Steppa
05 Dub Survivor
06 Ez On
07 Octopus
08 Simmer Down
09 Pure
10 Bubble