Stop and take a breather, Sekkle & Cease is here to let their dubwise meditation loose. Based in Detroit, US - the imprint rises to a charitable occasion. For their immense compilation ‘Alpha Boys Vol. 1’ they’ve pledged for the proceedings to go to the venerated Alpha Boys School in Kingston - one of the most influential music education institutions in Jamaica. Clearly devoting their passion and sound to Reggae, Dub and electronic influences - the emerging imprint has curated a marvellous selection of renowned and musically proficient artists. Keen listeners get to experience a diverse display of all things Dub - experimental, roots and everything in between, that tests your low frequency section’s headroom. Featuring a total of fifteen tracks, prominent artist contributions include 6Blocc, Elefant Doc, Distant Roots, Cessman and Digid among others.
Starting off with ‘Whole Word’ by Cali’s Kush Arora, the established artist is teaming up with Jamaican MC Peppery, beautifully laying down his vocal teachings on contemporary world beats. A different light is being emitted by ‘Rise To Dub’ by Goosensei, taking a leisurely groove to subterranean levels, emerged in far-reaching harmonies. Straight steps from Germany’s Digital Steppaz delivered in an electrified fashion - ‘Broken Law Dub’ yields heavyweight dance-floor vibrations - showcasing their experience with running their own custom sound system.
LA’s 6Blocc shines through on expertly crafted roots basslines being accompanied by a slew of proper MC’s and nostalgic sound design in ‘Territory Dub’. Having the ‘Foundation’ in mind, Digid & Distant Roots pick up where 6Blocc left off, setting a more melodical stage, dub sirens included. Centered and stablized by the sub excursions, we’re off to venture into ‘Positive Thinking’ by the talented hands of Cessman - laidback vibrations invite to stay, as fast-paced shakers unceasingly drives the groove and music forward.
Venturing off into the future of Reggae, UK’s Vibration Lab duo turns up the psychedelic heat and untethers a skanking foundation tune by the name of ‘Brimstone Dub’. Further diving off into forward-minded territory, XL Arge out of the respectable Numa Crew contributes the intensely hypnotic & tribal sound exploration ‘Metadub’. Elefant Doc & Distant Roots’ ‘Blurry Dub’ leaps in between airy clouds of fuzz, the main arrangement surging through whenever appropriate. These and even more sounds of fiery goodness are enveloped in this charity compilation - if you’re keen on supporting the future of Reggae, Dub and its modern counterparts - make sure to bag this release and support a great cause.