Sunday, 2 August 2020

Gaudi '100 Years of Theremin (the Dub Chapter)' Review




Artist: Gaudi




Title: 100 Years of Theremin




Label: Dubmission Records




Released: Friday 7th August










For anyone who has seen Gaudi use the Theremin in his live shows, it probably comes as no surprise that he has put together this album of celebration. Invented in 1920 by Russian psychist Leon Theremin the eerie sounds of this electronic instrument became a go-to for classic science-fiction soundtrack production and became the staple for otherworldy sound fx.


Bringing onboard some of the biggest producers of dub reggae in Adrian Sherwood, Mad Professor, The Scientist, Dennis Bovell and Prince Fatty to provide the back drop to his Theremin playing you can rest assured with the quality of the productions. Whilst the otherworldy sounds of the Theremin fuse into the pieces so nicely, it’s a wonder why they aren’t more of a staple in dub production as a whole.


I found it easy to just sit back and relax to the otherworldy sounds of the Theremin float across the reggae backdrops, without the need to know who was providing the sounds at any particular point. That is until I reached ‘Theremin Dub Mafia’ with Prince Fatty at the controls, as he lifts the pace somewhat and really grabbed my attention.


To conclude firstly I ask myself does the marriage of the Theremin and dub reggae work? In my humble opinion undoubtedly so. Secondly how does this album sit within a dub reggae collection? I feel it slots in quite nicely and with the formats stretching over vinyl record, CD and digital it covers all bases.


Reviewed by Woodzee


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