Realization (Dubconscious Music, 2006)
*GUEST REVIEW*
I first heard Dubconscious via a five-song sampler called Stereotype that came out last year. Their driving, assertive style (which even jettisoned reggae for a full-on Afrobeat attack on one cut) immediately hooked me. Further investigation led me to this earlier release, a double CD set recorded live. And I remain hooked. The sound here is more stripped-down (no horns, as on Stereotype) but there's stillplenty to take in. First off, know that the band's name isn't just wordplay: they employ an abundance of sumptuous dub textures and the subject matter of their songs is seldom trite. Second, even though this is a live album, the sound is a mixture of clean and murky that's perfectly suited. Third and most crucial, Dubconscious seldom falters in delivering well-crafted yet frequently spaced-out reggae that encompasses roots, dub, psychedelia, social/political/spiritual commentary and the wide-open feel of a jam band. Their smoldering onslaught of drums, bass, guitars, keys, percussion and haunting, modal vocals is completely engaging from start to finish. Even though their home base is apparently Athens, Georgia, they've obviously gleaned a lot from their Jamaican predecessors. Excellent.
-Tom Orr
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