Daniel in the Lions Den/King and Queen (A&O, 1992 [orig. released 1990 & 1991])

Dubsters Alpha & Omega are unique in that they are not only a duo, but they are a male-female duo, consisting of members John Sprosen and Christine Woodbridge.  Also unique is the fact that they are modern British dub artists who don't necessarily adhere to the modern digital dub sound that so many of their contemporaries do.  This isn't to say, however, that you'd mistake them for a '70s group; rather, they meld modern technology and classic roots sentiment for a genuinely likeable sound.  Daniel in the Lions Den, the duo's debut, in particular has a distinctive sound, as it is a "dub" album with singing (thus, it's really only partially dub), and with female lead vocals at that -- courtesy of Tracey J. (tracks 1 and 2) and Dandylion (tracks 3 through 9).  These vocals add a freshness to a rhythmic, bass-heavy sound that, while enjoyable, could otherwise get stale.  I could almost compare the sound to Beats International's hit "Dub Be Good to Me," with the slight female vocals riding the heavy, lethargic beats.  Of course, Alpha & Omega's material is a bit more religious-themed, if you couldn't tell from their staid album covers.  King and Queen, their second album, doesn't contain nearly as many vocals as their first (only two song have them), thus leaving the music bare, exposing the fact that it just isn't as strong as the music on Daniel in the Lions Den.  Still, getting these two albums one on CD is a nice deal, and dub fans can certainly find something to please in these 20 songs.

Daniel in the Lions Den:

King and Queen:

Daniel in the Lions Den/King and Queen: