Gentleman's Dub Club // FOURtyFOUR
FOURtyFOUR sees Gentleman’s Dub Club going back to old reggae roots with a variety of classical reggae mixed with their trademark dub and 2 tone.
It’s tough being a fan. After picking up FOURtyFOUR I was dubious as to whether Gentleman’s Dub Club could live up to their earlier album ‘Open Your Eyes’ which featured tracks such as ‘High Grade’, ‘Emergency’ and my personal favourite ‘Chronicles’. FOURtyFOUR sees Gentleman’s Dub Club going back to old reggae roots with a variety of classical reggae mixed with their trademark dub and 2 tone. As was to be expected, the album is ridden with social and political commentary, remaining in true reggae style. This eclectic selection of reggae styles adds dynamics to their new album, which at first listen, I was exceedingly sceptical of. Upon listening to the album again however, it definitely met the standard set by Open Your eyes, but is yet to surpass it. Gentleman’s Dub Club have definitely toned it down this time, although many tracks still retain the exuberant, energetic nature that encompassed the majority of their earlier tracks, many of their newer songs take a more relaxing approach, upholding the chilled, relaxing vibe that reggae started out as. Gentleman’s Dub Club smashed the ITunes Reggae charts this year with Open Your Eyes not having left the top 20 charts since its release. FOURtyFOUR has definitely exceeded my expectations. This is a band of brooding potential and I will definitely be keeping tabs on them.
9/10 – Hanna Huzel-Steele
It’s tough being a fan. After picking up FOURtyFOUR I was dubious as to whether Gentleman’s Dub Club could live up to their earlier album ‘Open Your Eyes’ which featured tracks such as ‘High Grade’, ‘Emergency’ and my personal favourite ‘Chronicles’. FOURtyFOUR sees Gentleman’s Dub Club going back to old reggae roots with a variety of classical reggae mixed with their trademark dub and 2 tone. As was to be expected, the album is ridden with social and political commentary, remaining in true reggae style. This eclectic selection of reggae styles adds dynamics to their new album, which at first listen, I was exceedingly sceptical of. Upon listening to the album again however, it definitely met the standard set by Open Your eyes, but is yet to surpass it. Gentleman’s Dub Club have definitely toned it down this time, although many tracks still retain the exuberant, energetic nature that encompassed the majority of their earlier tracks, many of their newer songs take a more relaxing approach, upholding the chilled, relaxing vibe that reggae started out as. Gentleman’s Dub Club smashed the ITunes Reggae charts this year with Open Your Eyes not having left the top 20 charts since its release. FOURtyFOUR has definitely exceeded my expectations. This is a band of brooding potential and I will definitely be keeping tabs on them.
9/10 – Hanna Huzel-Steele
