REVIEW: KENNY KNOTS MEETS THE BUSH CHEMIST - Up There/Dub Symphony (Lush Records)

Lush Records is small roots and dub label coming out of Gothenburg Sweden runned by one man alone, Ralf (not to be mistaken with Ralf of Dubflash Records). Through the years Lush Records have given us a good load of high quality 7:inches mainly produced by Jah Warrior alongside Tena Stelin, Hughie Izachaar and others doing the vocals. "Up There" is Lush Records latest release which happily have been well received all over Europe. This is Lush Records first release ever to appear on a 10:inch vinyl and it's a joy to hear that Ralf have chosen these solid tunes to feature on it. Vocal with dub counterpart on the A-side and pure dubwise on the B-side.

Kenny Knots must be the most recorded reggae singer in Europe at the moment. It seems he got tunes coming from all over. Strong ones as well like on this one which is featuring his latest "hit" among the European roots sound systems, "Up There". First time I heard this tune was at a Bush Chemists live apparence where it was showcased in a totally different version which was more stripped down to just drum and bass. Not anything like the version featured on this vinyl. "Up There" is a one drop with a early Bush Chemist vibe to it. Those who heard Bush Chemist's work on "Evil Doer Retire" for example know what I mean.

The soundscape is full of sounds and melodies twisting around each other which to make up a slow militant marching one drop. The simple yet effective saxophone, played like it were guitar chops, and the picking guitar increases the good vibes as well and does great work on the dub version. Kenny Knots chants out Rastafari livity in his own special way and delivers a chorus with a strong sing-a-long feel to it. The dub version continues in the same good manner as the vocal version minus the vocals. Except for the vocals dropping in and out its more or less the same backing track as in the vocal version which is only a treat really since it is such a strong rhythm.

Soundclip - Kenny Knots meets The Bush Chemist - Up There

On the B-side we have Bush Chemist alone doing all the work with a dub piece entitled "Dub Symphony". It's a mellow steppers with keyboard strings going all the way. After the digital retro style intro the strings take over. Going high and low sounding beautifully as they ride the drum and bass driven rhythm. All with a very meditative feel which kind of reminds me of the early ninties.

Soundclip - The Bush Chemist - Dub Symphony

The version of "Dub Symphony" starts off with a clean and stripped down intro before heading into the bass and the drum. Some of you might even recognize this rhythm from a Conscious Sounds dubplate featuring Ras Mc Bean on vocals.All to all a top notch release which I recommend you go and get yourself a copy of since Lush Records releases very often are limited to only one or two pressings. Do also look out for the upcoming Lush Records release featuring Tassili Players and Abassi Allstars. Each getting one side of a 10:inch vinyl. Due for release sometime early next year.

/Jakob Levi 14/11-05