20 Apr 2024
Knights of the Dub Table - Way of the Dub Album Review
09 Dec 2011 // A review by Alistar3000
The Knights of the Dub Table attempt to live up to their name with their debut full length and for the most part they succeed. They’re not quite at the head of that table yet, but they come close.
They’re clearly a well-rehearsed band, utilising live instrumentation to produce their summery sounds. It’s a sound that draws on reggae influences but retains a distinctly New Zealand feel, although perhaps draws too heavily on Salmonella Dub’s better known works, Killervision in particular.
Fans of that style of dub/reggae will no doubt delight in this, adding it to their soundtrack for summer. Those who are looking for something unique in their music may want to stay clear, as there’s little new on offer within these 10 tracks. Each blends into the next, all following the same formula, without ever really exploring the genre or pushing any musical boundaries.
That’s not a fault of the band – experimentation hasn’t been a big part of the reggae scene within New Zealand, most artists preferring to ape the more commercial sounds of the popular groups in the genre, rather than forge their own identity. That doesn’t tend to be a barrier to success here, and Knights of The Dub Table probably won’t find that it holds them back any.
Still, it would have been nice to see them have some fun with the music, mix it up a bit and see what comes out. Maybe with future releases they’ll feel freer to do that.
Way Of The Dub
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About Knights of the Dub Table
Since their inception during 2008, they have performed with some of New Zealand’s best-known Reggae/Dub acts Katchafire, dDub, Optimus Gryme, House of Shem and Cornerstone Roots as well as popular Australian Dub outfit, The Versionaries.
Hailing from Hamilton City the original four members Mr Samysam’son (vocals, guitar), Sir Cypher (bass), Sax’imus (MC, sax) and Synth’silion (keys, beats) first met in 2007 while studying music at the Waikato Institute of Technology. During 2008 they joined forces becoming Knights of the DUB Table, and began to craft their sound into something unique. In October 2008 they pulled in Tootz (trumpet) and Dr. Umm who was later replaced by Ridim’ix (drums).
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Knights of the Dub Table
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