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The Bug’s debut album London
Zoo is very much influenced by the
dancehall music scene. This is especially expressed
on the opening cut “Angry,” which features
veteran reggae artist Tippa Irie.
With driving percussion and sweaty synths, this
song was made to move the body. However, the mind
is moved as well, as Tippa follows the tenants of
reggae music by infusing messages within the movement.
Here, the artist is angered by the many ills existing
in society. Though he doesn’t offer up solutions,
the ideas are brought up to be shared and discussed.
And, of course, danced to!
The brainchild of producer Kevin Martin,
who takes a writing credit in all of the 12 tracks,
London Zoo is a culmination of the various
diverse projects that Martin has had a hand in
creating over the years, from his techno roots
to his jazz and dub background. Each is represented
here to some degree: “Murder We,”
featuring Ricky Ranking (whom you might know from
his work with Roots Manuva), smacks of underground
Dub, with its sinewy groove and dark bass influence;
“Skeng,” which features Killa
P and Flowdan, offers
more of an underground hip-hop influence, sounding
like something the experimental artist Busdriver
might create; while “Jah War” brims
with Reggaetone passion. “You & Me,”
which features Roger Robinson, slows things down
a tad, beginning with sparse percussion reminiscent
of Jeru The Damaja’s “Come Clean”
and morphing into a cacophony of melody, space
synths and African Drum.
This album isn’t going to take the place
of your Bob Marley collection. Nor is it going
to displace the popularity of artists like Daddy
Yankee, Ivy Queen, or Wisin’ & Yandel.
It will groove in your club spots and rock out
your car system. And if that dancehall flavor
is your thing, though it beats with an understated
English heart, London Zoo will fill the
thirst created in underground island hideaways
where the women are as hot as the weather, and
sweat pours down like rain.
www.ninjatune.net
-D Tha Man, August 8, 2008
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