Community Music (London Records, 2000)

*GUEST REVIEW*
In the past couple of years the BBC have established the British Asian Network to cater for the multicultural nature of the UK.  Even Radio 1 has a highly rated show dedicated to the best in Desi Rock, Bhangra n Bass etc.  Asian music in the UK has been supported by John Peel and Andy Kershaw in the mainstream and by pirates and innovative radio shows in the regions.  Transglobal Underground, Apache Indian, and Asian Dub Foundation must also share some of the credit for exposing Asian culture to the UK.  ADF doesn't make straightforward dub.  It's as reggae as African Head Charge, Ghetto Priest, Dub Syndicate, or many of the artists who frequent On-U Sound.  It has dubby bass, combined with lots of samples and strong vocals.  The vocals range from hard step ragga to dub poetry and light toasting.  Despite the edge to the vocals, the album has a nice dancehall feel.  It can be difficult to enjoy this album initially, but give it a few listens and the different layers and textures will make as much sense as the first DJ Rupture album. 

- ragudave