Dub and Reggae label On-U sound are set to pay homage to one of their most prolific acts Dub Syndicate by re-pressing their first four albums, as well as the 1984 collaborative LP with Doctor Pablo – North of the River Thames.
Unreleased music is also on the way too, with nine stripped-back takes on early On-U tracks being brought together in a new album, Displaced Masters, as part of the comprehensive project.
Dub Syndicate’s second album, One Way System was a cassette only release when it dropped in 1991, but is now being being produced as a gatefold version with brand new artwork and a 45rpm vinyl re-cut. For those who prefer CD, everything is being anthologised in the 5-disc Ambience in Dub 1982 – 1985 boxset too, which comes with a 24 page booklet.
The label is also including new literature and bonus tracks on the band to accompany the music, meaning that the band’s studio material has never been better supplemented than on this forthcoming November release.
On-U Sound records was founded by Adrian Sherwood and first released music in 1981, who, alongside numerous personal projects, has remixed for the likes of Depeche Mode, Primal Scream, and Sinéad O’Connor. He masterminded Dub Syndicate, which, in its early days, was "built around deep and heavy reggae rhythms, and marshalling the talents of a revolving cast of Jamaican and British musicians".
Former Roots Radics drummer Style Scott would the creative cornerstone of the collective, and his relationship with Sherwood became indicative of the group’s commitment towards Jamaican sounds, rebranded with cutting edge London production.
Scott’s (real name Lincolnshire Valentine Scott) murder in the Jamaican capital in 2014 gives this reissue campaign an added poignancy, but doubtless the remaining members and label are proud of this extensive project to help amplify his musical contribution to a new generation of listeners, as well as long-time fans.
The reissue campaign encompasses the following Dub Syndicate releases:
Released: 10th November
The Pounding System LP
One Way System 2LP
North Of The River Thames LP (with Doctor Pablo)
Tunes From The Missing Channel LP
Displaced Masters LP (Unreleased versions from the vaults)
Ambience In Dub 1982 – 1985 5CD + 24-page book
