(Haymaker Records, 2024)
Auckland producer Christoph El’ Truento’s sound is one influenced by the likes of 1970’s Jamaican production giants, King Tubby and Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry. Raised in a music loving family with siblings who DJed and made music, Truento began experimenting with dub, underground hip-hop and modern jazz production. Over the years since, his productions have been lauded as rich, immersive and exciting. Aside from his own releases he has also worked on projects with Tom Scott in @Peace, Home Brew, Avantdale Bowling Club and many more.
On Dubs From The Neighbourhood, Truento has brought together some of Aotearoa’s finest musicians and created one of our country’s greatest dub records. It is a fitting tribute to the Jamaican architects and originators. It’s legit. Every track is strong and here I have highlighted some of my favourites.
The album opens with the title track featuring a Lee ‘Scratch’ sample then the vocal, “The road you’ll travel down is a long one, be grateful for those you meet along the way.” This is a heavy riddim with tasty horns and bubbling skank.
“Another Scorcher” is an up-tempo dub with great blippy effects, It’s a bass rich gem with world class horns.
“Performer Dub” starts off with a telephone ringing almost straight out of the Black Ark reels and follows with superb dub vocals.
“Pep the Conqueror” is a stand out track that I could listen to on repeat, for days on end. It’s a slick remake of Cornell Campbell’s “The Gorgon”, voiced by Truento’s son Pep. Maybe it’s the punchy bass line or the Te Reo Māori. Either way it’s a masterpiece.
On the flip side, “Traffic Jam” with a beeping car horn sample kicks things off. The riddim works well with a punctuating guitar and organ.
“Ghost Rhythm” has haunting organ and keys chops, and beautiful horns with wonderful engineering.
“Things Done Changed” has a Pasifika flavour but almost feels like Caribbean ska. Smooth vocals drop in and out. Pure summer vibes.
This well constructed album features some of the nicest dub made and produced in Aotearoa. It embodies the essence of reggae music’s worldwide appeal. Simply world-class.
More info:
Christoph El’ Truento Bandcamp
Al Rankin
Whakatū / Waimea based dub reggae dancehall selector. Original badman, blat blat.
