Before Fat Freddys Drop, Shapeshifter and The Black Seeds – in fact before the entire current crop of roots/reggae bands that seem to be almost as numerous as sheep in the land of the long white cloud – Salmonella Dub were flying the flag for Aotearoa on the international music scene. Although they released their first album in 1994, it wasn’t until 1999’s Killervision that they really hit their straps. This release was followed by Inside the Dubplates (2001), a remix album called Outside the Dubplates (2002) and the excellent One Drop East (2004). A few B-side and remixes notwithstanding, the intervening time has been quiet by the prolific standards of this hardworking band, but the wait has been worth it.

Salmonella Dub really haven’t changed their style at all since Killervision. The tune Love, Sunshine and Happiness does for this album what For the Love of It, Love Your Ways_ and Dancehall Girl did for Killervision, Inside the Dubplates and One Drop East, respectively. Think upbeat, prominent horns, a mellow skanking bassline and a catchy as hell vocal hook. The title track Heal Me has a similar vibe, with the horn-line verging on a latin sound in places.

Lightning and Nothing is Free see the band in a more introspective mood, with the latter in particular making good use of a sparse rhythm, leaving plenty of space for soaring melodica and vocals. Beat the Game and Rong are more indicative of what you can expect from a Salmonella Dub live show in that they’re a bit darker and a little bit more drum n’ bass.

Salmonella Dub are not breaking any new ground with this album. Just about all the tracks would be at home on any of their albums from the past 8 years, but this doesn’t mean that this is a bad album, in fact it’s superb. Salmonella Dub know what they do, and they do it very, very well. If you’ve enjoyed any of their music in the past, this album will not disappoint.