Do you know Dreadzone? If they somehow have slipped through the cracks for you, you are in for a treat. They evolved from the original Big Audio Dynamite and this apple did not fall too far from the BAD tree…maybe moving a bit more towards a dance zone, but maintaining lots of great elements from their prior group. Dreadzone have just rereleased their 2001 “Sound” album (adding two remixed tracks) and if you missed it the first time you are advised to seek it out.
“Sound” opens with the great 1-2 punch of “Return of the Dread” and “Crazy Knowledge”; two high energy dance floor fillers that include, among other elements, some samples (including a couple well-known snippets used by BAD) and a couple lyrics that offer tips-of-the-cap to some classic reggae tunes. My favorite track is “Black Rock And Roll” driven by its great guitar.
Overall, the album is loaded with dance beats, and mixes it up with singing, rapping, dub and reggae influences, some occasional rock guitar, and the aforementioned sampling. It manages the trick of sounding both familiar and fresh. The longish-tracks (virtually all clocking in at over 5 minutes) allow you to get lost in the grooves.
While I have not had the pleasure of seeing them on stage, whenever I read comments about the band they always get high praise for their live performances. I understand they are touring during the last quarter of 2015; here’s something to whet your appetite: