JAH WOBBLE RECORDS
The most noteworthy thing about Jah Wobble’s latest is how unobtrusive his bass is throughout most of its duration. Sure, there are classy lines underpinning On Steroids and the ghostly Spirits By The Thames, but for much of this largely solo effort it’s underplayed, whether among the Claydermanesque piano flourishes of L’autoroute Sans Fin (which features one of the album’s few guest spots, from Invaders Of The Heart keyboardist George King) or the melodicaheavy, rambling Stepping Hill. Still, while Cuban Dub and Havana offer surprises only if you’ve not read their titles – which is not to downplay the pleasure they offer – Piquant’s mix of psychedelic and classical is endearing, and the Chic groove of A Chunk Of Funk works up a glossy sweat, adding playful keyboard lines and Cameo-esque vocal chants. It’s on Strange Land, though, that you’ll find the truly heavy sounds of the Wobble dub we love.