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Dreadzone
Jazz Cafe, London NW1
5 Stars
Riding fast and furious on the critical acclaim of their recent album Escapade, and ahead of their British tour, Dreadzone arrive ready to agitate.
Crying out for social cohesion from the off in Life, Love And Unity the band instantly drives hard in an insurrectionary direction.
In Rise Up they throw down the gauntlet with a call to stand up, unify and be counted, while the beautiful Next Generation appeals to those born after to raise the flag and go underground. Lyrical integrity like this, delivered by the alluring vocal colours of Earl Sixteen, is allied to a potent mix of dub, mighty dread tones and gentle techno. It all makes Dreadzone an antidote for the greyest day and darkest night.
Live, with the levels turned up, their diehard antics and never-say-never attitude is a heady and inspirational musical and lyrical treat.
Leo Williams's cool and dub-wise bass digs deep and holds the Dreadzone court together, while Greg Dread's hard and complex percussion patterning drives the band on.
There's infectious rhyme and reason from vocalist Spee - the gang's cocky and very likeable lad - while Chris Compton's versatile guitar and Bazil's dial-centric technophonics add the remaining layers to what is Dreadzone's addictive effect.
In the midst of the mayhem, the reminiscence-tinged Places is an unusual and touching departure before Digital Mastermind and Too Late rack up the euphoria.
They're followed by the expected, but no less gratefully received, royal flush of Fire In The Dark, Zion, Little Britain, Dance Floor and Captain Dread. Don't miss.
Touring nationally until August, details: www.dreadzone.com.
Peter Lindley
