Spred The Dub – Self Titled
Track Listing:
1.) Cheating Woman
2.) Politricks
3.) Compliments to the Chef
4.) Run With A Gun
5.) Cool Drop
6.) PBC
7.) Be Free
8.) Wicked Games
9.) Six Months
10.) Road to Hana
The Pier Album Rating:
Release Date: April 20, 2012
Official Website: Spred The Dub’s Website
Group Background:
Formed in 2007, Spred the Dub has been building a steady following in South Florida for nearly five years now with an intoxicating blend of jazz, soul, funk, reggae, ska and dub. The group have played stages all over the stage of Florida, opening for nationally touring acts such as Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, The Mystic Roots Band, The Movement and reggae legends such as The Skatalites, Eek-A-Mouste, Black Uhuru and Yellowman. Recorded in a home studio and self-distributed/promoted, Spred the Dub is the band’s full-length debut, a promising star for a young band with a bright future.
Album Review:
Okay let’s get the obvious out of the way first, this is a great album. I mean it. As far as debuts go, this one of the best I’ve heard in a while. Spred The Dub’s sound is unique yet you can hear the influences throughout. They’re pretty obvious in a sort of backwards way – the band blends and mixes so tastefully that it’s actually very difficult to pinpoint them by name. Slightly Stoopid and Sublime come to mind, but it’s a fleeting thing. For a moment, lead singer Micky Vintage sort of sounds like Bradley Nowell or there will be a dash of guitar washed in delay that almost definitely appears somewhere on Closer to the Sun but I’ll be damned if I could find it.
As a reggae band, they function in a similar manner as Quentin Tarantino does as a film director. They wear their influences proudly on their sleeve, but only hardcore fans who really take the time to dissect and do the research will be able to figure it out. Like a good cocktail, the ingredients are mixed well-enough that you know what went into the making, but you don’t spend much time dwelling on it because it tastes so damn good.
Generally, the album veers between two styles: fast, feel-good party reggae and laidback, soul-searchin’ dubs. In either gear, the band performs effortlessly. Upbeat tracks like the opening “Be Free” and “Cheating Woman” are set to go party-starters while drowned-in-delay dubfests like “Run With a Gun” and album closer “Wicked Games” slow the music down to a mellow mood.
Overall, Spred the Dub is an excellent start for a promising young band. They cover a wide range of reggae territory, sure to please fans of reggae music both past and present. There’s a clear respect for the masters coupled with a bright, youthful energy that hints at a bright future. Well-recorded, tightly rehearsed and thoughtful songwriting abound on this album – just imagine what they could have done with a budget.
Written & Reviewed By: Chris Castro
[Editors Note: All reviews are reflective of the album in it’s entirety, from start to finish. These reviews are the honest opinion of each writer/reviewer, expressing their feedback as a genuine fan of the music. Each star rating reflects their review of the album, not the band. Music is subjective. Regardless of the review or star rating, we encourage you to listen to the music yourself & form your own opinion. Spread the awareness of all music in its art & contribution]
Video: Spred The Dub – Politricks (Live @ The Culture Room. Ft. Lauderdale FL 12-10-11)
