Jah Wobble, the British bass maestro and dub visionary, has long been a cornerstone of the genre’s evolution, blending tradition with innovation. His latest offering, Dub Volume 1, is a testament to his enduring creativity, delivering a cinematic journey through eight meticulously crafted tracks. Released on July 18, 2025, via Dimple Discs, this solo endeavor showcases Wobble’s ability to weave sonic narratives that are both deeply personal and universally resonant.
The album opens with Dub In The East, a track that sets the tone with its hypnotic bassline and glossy horns, evoking a mystical blend of Hollywood and Bollywood. Wobble’s bass grumbles like a humming tune, creating a contrast that is both absorbing and playful. This is followed by Tyson Dub Remix, a smoother, more polished version of a 2021 track, dedicated to his beloved late dog. The remix retains its athletic bass but adds a cleaner, more sway-inducing groove.
Existential Dub is a standout, with its repeated piano lines and hypnotic bass/drum groove. At nearly eight minutes, it’s a formidable construction, layering synths and a moaning vocal that swerves into the exotic. Losing All Sense Of Balance Dub offers a quirky mix of Massive Attack, Pink Floyd, and Kool and the Gang, with Wobble’s off-kilter spoken asides adding a touch of whimsy.
Lovers Rock Dub is a romantic interlude, with Wobble’s treated vocals repeating, “My love will last forever for you, my dear.” The refrain is an earworm, diving deep under the skin, while the bassline remains a highlight. Tragic Slavic Dub shifts the mood with its Balkan-inspired fauxchestration, reminiscent of a fever dream from Peaky Blinders.
Sweet Dub is a simpler, more playful track, with burbling bass and skittering keyboard glissandos, evoking the sound of a sugar rush. The album closes with Old Jewish East End Of London Dub, a kaleidoscopic finale that reflects Wobble’s magpie mind. Train and car horns honk echotastically, while laughs and wails appear and disappear, creating a chaotic yet cohesive soundscape.
Throughout Dub Volume 1, Wobble’s bass lines shift seamlessly between sonic opulence and discretion, balancing electronic instrumentation with his signature playing. The album is a highly entertaining record that finds Wobble in top form, completely at ease with himself and his craft. It’s a testament to his ability to innovate while staying true to the roots of dub, making it a must-listen for both longtime fans and newcomers to the genre.
In a world where dub often risks becoming formulaic, Jah Wobble reminds us of its boundless possibilities. Dub Volume 1 is not just an album; it’s an invitation to explore the inner spaces of sound, where tradition and experimentation collide in perfect harmony.
Bandcamp: https://wardle.bandcamp.com/album/dub-volume-one
