Back in the day, in small weed-filled smoky venues, their live shows were a joy to behold and experience. Now like a long-lost friend returning fresh and vibrant after a makeover, this is the perfect soundtrack for a summer party reunion.

An innovative mashed up mix of reggae, dub, trip hop, electronica, acid, house and ambient music — how can you not move to the Dreadzone groove? 

This is a remastered, remixed re-release of their 2001 album, now on their own Dubwiser label. While never reaching the classic status of 1995’s Second Light, Sound is still a quality release that has stood the test of time.

For sure it takes you back, but it is a comforting 77 minute-long trip, taking the mind and body on a voyage through the myriad musical influences that inspired them.

It still features contributions from Earl 16, Aswad’s Brinsley Forde and MC Det but now opens with MC Spee on vocals on the relaxed dub dance tune Return of the Dread.

Don Letts, who supplied lyrical content and coined the album title, has also written sleeve notes for this reissue.

Crazy Knowledge emerges like “on the run” Pink Floyd before moulding into a full on, prodigious dance track.

Live favourites Digital Mastermind and Dread’pon Sound are absorbing with skanking rhythms, sumptious synth grooves, quirky guitars, sultry bass lines and pounding percussion.

Re-energised and expansive, its heart pulsing beats absorb you into a trance like state where the rhythm exists within.

With two bonus remixes of Crazy Knowledge and Believing it included, Dreadzone have reinvigorated a lost gem and in the process served up a near perfect set of floor movers. Catch their joyous noise live as they tour later this year and you will not be disappointed.

Review by Bob Oram