Modern day dub is dominated by electronic instruments. Systemwide choose a different approach. Live drums and bass guitar, although combined with synths and drumcomputers, characterize their sound. This makes them more related to the original dub as it was played in Jamaica in the late seventies than many of their contemporary counterparts. The sound may not be as deep and hard as Zion Train for instance but it’s a lot more organic and warm. Drummer Josh Skins certainly adds more flavor because of his original hi hat patterns and fills. Ezra’s vocals work out well. His American accent is weird though. I’m used to hear British or Jamaican English vocals in this type of music. ‘Reclame’ is sung in French which is surprising as well.

Dr. Israel (who’s currently touring Europe) adds his raga vocals to ‘Crisis Time’ and ‘People Of The Book’. It’s a good way to add some variation because the use of acoustic drums and bass guitar limits Systemwide in their choice of different sounds. ‘Champion Sound’ is the weakest song as it’s mixed in such a way that it has become a bit messy. But most of the other songs are very catchy. It’s the kind of record that makes anyone in the room either tap along with their hands or feet or nod their head rhythmically no matter what they’re doing. And you just can’t walk across the floor without doing a little dance. So, spark ‘em up and groove along!