William S. Burroughs in Dub :: Conducted by Dub Spencer & Trance Hill (Echo Beach)

Dub Spencer & Trance Hill returns with its most mind-bending album yet. William S. Burroughs In Dub is definitely the most refreshing and eccentric output that hit the psychedelic, eclectic dub realms in recent years. It has all the rare qualities of a timeless record, and the ability to turn dubless souls onto the warm wonders of dub.

King Tubby, Bob Marley, Dub Trio, Rage Against the Machine, Pink Floyd, Massive Attack, The Police and Jimi Hendrix, are some of Dub Spencer & Trance Hill‘s influences. But, instead of recycling the past and copying the current like many other bands out there, the four deadly dub specialists from Switzerland take all the influence they want and with an individual touch create something entirely their own. Their modus operandi and forward-thinking approach shape a truly original and eclectic sound that gets richer and deeper every year. In addition to being skilful players and studio wizards, they also put on an electrifying live show. With its new studio album, Dub Spencer & Trance Hill delivers something really special.

When intoxicating, rock-infused dub meets the spirit of William S. Burroughs. The Dub Spencer & Trance Hill fellows conjure up the spirit of the highly influential beat poet, novelist, essayist, painter and spoken word performer, and mix it beautifully with their unique and exhilarating deep dub blend. The connection between Burroughs’ word currents and Dub Spencer’s playing works so naturally it feels like Burroughs was right there in the studio with the band. These two entities intensify each other in a holy union. It’s a perfect match.

Heavy weight basslines flow smoothly as solid yet elastic foundations, tightly united with sumptuous, dynamic layers of drums that push forward like mighty engines. Spacey guitars saw and inflame; magnetizing shades of organ, keyboards and melodica provide a vintage spark; electronic shades twist and swirl. Above it all, Burroughs’ distinctively hypnotic voice leads the way like a crafty shadow to the exotically unknown. Everything is judiciously soaked in echo and emits an otherworldly glow.

These fifteen tracks are colorful, spacious and multilayered, and assertively carry the mighty torch of dub to new, far-reaching, quirky and exciting districts. Simultaneously they also perpetuate some of Burroughs’ work in a very suitable manner. I could be wrong, but I think that if Burroughs was still here, he would happily collaborate with Dub Spencer & Trance Hill. After releasing its first live album, Live In Dub & The Victor Rice Remixes, last year, Dub Spencer & Trance Hill returns with its most mind-bending album yet. William S. Burroughs In Dub is definitely the most refreshing and eccentric output that hit the psychedelic, eclectic dub realms in recent years. It has all the rare qualities of a timeless record, and the ability to turn dubless souls onto the warm wonders of dub.

William S. Burroughs In Dub is available as a limited CD edition of 999 copies encased in a sleek 6-panel digipak via the band’s webstore. [Listen | Echo Beach]