Dub Shepherds – Night And Day

After the review of the 2018 release of the 7″ single Turn On The Red Light, the Dub Shepherds seemed to have slipped under our radar. It’s quite baffling considering that the reggae-dub duo from Clermont-Ferrand, France, has since dropped a studio album titled Tales Of A Wild World, an EP called Nah Jestering, and various singles. However, following some side projects and a fruitful collaboration with Junior Roy, the Dub Shepherds have resurfaced with their latest offering, the brand new album Night And Day.

The Dub Shepherds, comprising of Doctor Charty and Jolly Joseph, are greatly influenced by iconic figures like King Tubby, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, and the enchanting riddims of the glorious roots era during the 1970s. Embracing the distinctiveness of magnetic tape, renowned for its warmth, has become the hallmark of their Bat Records productions. Referred to as ‘Hardmix’, their reggae style diverges from the ordinary, embracing a fusion of electrifying effects that infuse their music with an unparalleled intensity.

Let’s drop the needle on side A and listen to the Dub Shepherds’ latest offering. Dirty Side Of Town, their previously released single, showcases Jolly Joseph’s falsetto vocals reminiscent of Junior Murvin. The song is set against a captivating roots reggae riddim with a strong vintage vibe, making it a great opener. Moving on to the next track, Ain’t Coming Back, it presents a jazzy ballad that offers a different listening experience. Although it’s a nice effort, it may not be fully appreciated by diehard reggae fans. The half-drop track, Night And Day, features Jolly Joseph along toaster and musician I Fi. While Jolly Joseph channels Junior Murvin in his delivery, I Fi’s vocals lean towards the style of Prince Far I. This track could have easily been recorded in a Kingston studio of yesteryear. Rebel Souls is a wonderful tune that evokes memories of reggae’s vocal harmony groups from the 1970s such as the Mighty Diamonds. Another enjoyable song with a unique twist is the mesmerizing love song Something Special. Side A then wraps up with the instrumental track Water Your Seeds, which has a similar vibe to English 2 tone ska revival bands.

Regrettably, the initial two songs on the opposite side of the vinyl record fail to leave a lasting impression. Undoubtedly, the musical quality of the album is commendable, but experiencing a variety of sounds can also be a pitfall. This sentiment arises after listening to approximately two-thirds of the album. Fortunately, both Too Much Bad News and Miss Scandal are unmistakably influenced by the golden days of Lee Perry’s Black Ark studio, which will undoubtedly uplift listeners. Following the pleasing tune of Hazy Mood, this section of the LP concludes with Palm Beach Blues, an instrumental piece that could easily be part of a sultry movie’s soundtrack.

Despite its musical diversity, there are enough tracks featured on this Night And Day LP that will strike a chord with reggae enthusiasts.