Salmonella Dub - Salmonella Dub – Freak Local EP Review.
03 Aug 2009 // A review by JohnS
When asked if I would review the new Salmonella Dub album I was a little uneasy as we are all asking, will they still be the same or have they moved on to bigger and better things, would the disappearance of Tiki be noticeable or have they filled the void that is expected to be left. Well my friends I can honestly say they have done a great job with this EP keeping to their roots. Unfortunately this means you get the same sound as you’re used to from the band. Hopefully the album comes with a few surprises
The opening track titled 'Freak Local' does wet your appetite with a familiar backing sound and the ever-present horns ensemble but alas the rest of the album was very similar with nothing really outstanding hitting my eardrums.
The one track that did sort of catch my interest was the forth track entitled 'Ding Megal' but this still was not up to what we know and love from this band. It seams like the Linkin Park effect has sprung again where bands keep doing the same thing they know and is exactly what we expect from them. It is another example of good NZ dub with crispy recording and great production but sadly it felt a little empty. If you liked the previous releases then you will enjoy this album.
Ps. Don’t miss the aptly named 'Clicking Tock' winner of the John’s best track name of the year gold star.
About Salmonella Dub
Salmonella Dub’s auspicious 7th studio album, the incredibly dynamic Freak Controller graced record store shelves and the dub world in November 2009 and Freak Controller Madness was released in 2010.
Formed more than twenty years ago in Christchurch, Salmonella Dub have rightfully been called the pioneers and originators of a unique Pacific style of Dub/Drum n Bass/Reggae/Hip Hop and Groove based Rock. Acts such as Fat Freddy’s Drop, Scribe and P-Money, Shapeshifter, Cornerstone Roots, Kora, King Kapisi as well as the new wave of Australian acts like Budspells, Rastawookie, King Tide, Red Eyes, and the likes, can all thank Salmonella Dub for paving the way to opening Australian ears to an alternative to a music scene that was largely house influenced dance music or straight guitar rock.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Salmonella Dub