(10.07.07) The tribal drums are pounding and the Kush Arora crew is on the battle path. Like the blast of cannon fire, Kush Arora hits the music scene with a ferociously powerful follow up to their legendary debut. From Brooklyn to SF picks up right where Bhang Ragga left off, but is there that much more here that needed to be said?
Featuring a slough of guest vocalists all rooted in Jamaican toasting, From Brooklyn to SF is an intelligent and powerful yet understated exploration into electronic dub and ragga. The atmosphere in each track is thicker than the air at Black Ark studios yet clearer than a southern California day.
Unarguably, Kush Arora’s strength is the placement and production of the sounds that make up each track. Fierce dub beats with thick sub and synth bass punctuate this album, complemented by gritty fear-inducing vocals. However, there really isn’t much difference between this record and the previous record. This is not a good or a bad thing – fans of this sound will be pleased to hear what is essentially a companion record to Bhang Ragga, yet it leaves those acquainted with their skills with a desire to hear more variation and sonic innovation. It can be exceedingly difficult to follow up an explosive debut with something unique, and in the case of Kush Arora, all is forgiven.
Because of this, much of my previous Kush Arora review can be restated accurately on this record. Those looking for an entirely new experience may be a bit disheartened, but the raw power and thick dark-alley ragga from space and subterranea can not be ignored.
From Brooklyn to SF is out now on KAP. [Purchase
Related posts ::
Kush Arora :: Bhang Ragga: Dancehall Bhangra in Future Dub (Kush Arora Productions, CD)
Brooklyn Keeps on Takin' It :: Compilation (Record Camp) CD
Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society :: Brooklyn Babylon (New Amsterdam)
Razor X Productions :: Killing Sound (Rephlex, 2CD/2LP)
Vatican Shadow :: Remember Your Black Day (Hospital Productions)
