CD Review: Dub Colossus' 'Dub Me Tender Vol 1 + 2'

Dub Colossus
Dub Me Tender Vol. 1 + 2
Real World

The heavy dub style of Nick "Dubulah" Page is evident throughout this new release. The reggae-tinged tracks, laid-back jazz, trance, and variegated funk music is nostalgic and contemporary at the same time. The album is divided up into two volumes, but the music is not very different. The amped-up beats, electronic additions, and jazzy undertones makes the new album shine beyond belief. Every song contains the word 'dub' in some form and function. The meditative dub forms are evident, as well as the more dance-friendly forms indicative of DJ performances on the dancefloor. There are Ethiopian-jazz elements with bluesy, funk sounds on some tracks. This is a good romp on the wild side of dub. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Syriana's 'The Road To Damascus'

Syriana
The Road To Damascus
Real World

Syriana is a group headed by Nick "Dubulah" Page with songs written by Abdullah Chhadeh, Bernard O'Neill, and Nick "Dubulah" Page. The album is not to be confused with the 2005 film Syriana. Instead, The Road To Damascus paints a colorful picture of lush Middle Eastern melodies, rhythms, and instrumentation. For example, the oud, qanun, double bass, guitars, piano, keyboards, percussion, and a few vocals round out the musical repertoire. The violins are added by the Pan Arab Strings of Damascus. The album is mostly instrumental, which allows the tracks to shine beyond borders. The thirteen tracks do contain some cinematic tendencies, but the majority of songs are steeped in roots, folk, and classical music. Fans of Middle Eastern music will love the sultry nuances of Syriana's music. ~ Matthew Forss