L.B. Dub Corp – Unknown Origin

Luke Slater's dub-influenced moniker as L.B. Dub Corp does a convincing job of polishing up the dub techno sounds pioneered by the likes of Basic Channel and adding a slick house and traditional techno sheen, aiming the results straight back at the dancefloor. The presence of radical poet Benjamin Zephaniah on Take A Ride and I Have A Dream adds some lyrical heft, and although he is underused on the former, the latter is a rousing political anthem.

The piano-led, echoing house of Ever and Forever acts as an earworm, balancing a simple melodic hook with drfiting synths and understated percussion. L.B.'s Dub adds some skanking digital dub to the mix, while the driving Turner's House takes things in an electro direction. The pulsating, echoing synths of Any Time Will Be OK are a particular highlight, while Function's appearance on closer Roller adds some darkness with layers of static and minimal synths. [Bram E. Gieben]