(03.03.05) Bill Laswell’s output is so prolific; you’d think a bunch of cats could
dance a can-can across his mixing desk while the recording equipment was
left alone and still he could find a way to release it. Thankfully, the
cats were off chasing tse tse flies during the sessions for Version 2
Version: A Dub Transmission. Featuring 6 extended explorations of the inner and outer reaches of worldly dub and composed primarily by Laswell and fellow notable bassist Jah Wobble, this release also sees Laswell working with Indian percussionist Karsh Kale, keyboard legend Bernie Worrell, and renowned drummer Abdou Mboup.
“Dystopia” opens Version 2 Version with haunting organs that succumb to the omnipresent laid back dub grooves that follow, only to reveal this isn’t your usual standard dub fare as processed tablas are generously folded in with organic basslines and rapid-fire effects. “Simulacra” and “Space-Time Paradox” add low-key chords that seem to appear and fade at will, giving them both a lush, ambient feel while guitars speaking in odd tongues seduce small pockets of silence. “Babylon Site,” “Night City” and “System Malfunction” continue the trend of otherworldly grooves, indicating the transmission mentioned in the album’s
title goes beyond AM, FM or XM.
If spreadable headphone dub jams strong enough for humans, but made for aliens are your poison, then Version 2 Version: A Dub Transmission is for you.
Version 2 Version: A Dub Transmission is out now on ROIR.
