Fear of a Green Planet
represents a slightly bizarre episode in the ongoing
Dub Syndicate
project; for one thing, it's on the
Shanachie
label instead of
On-U Sound
, the band's home base. Second of all, it is rumored to be an alternate mix (by regular producer
Adrian Sherwood
) of an
On-U
release titled
Mellow & Colly
(mixed by
Scientist
), though there are contradicting reports in that regard (another version of the story has the alternate mix released under the title
, but on the
Lion & Roots
label with two bonus tracks). In any case, this is one of the most satisfying
albums in years. The mainly instrumental tracks walk that familiar fine line between strictly traditional
roots reggae
and
avant-garde
craziness that
Sherwood
helped to define back in the 1980s, and the grooves (courtesy of drummer
"Style" Scott
and bassist
"Flabba" Holt
are darker and heavier than ever. The guest musicians are particularly distinguished this time out as well --
Bill Laswell
contributes basslines on several tracks, and singjay pioneer
Big Youth
sits in on three others. Highlights include the spare and eerie
"Hey Geoff"
and the melodica-powered
"Greater David."
Highly recommended. ~ Rick Anderson