· By Worship Recordings

Rob Paine WOR.CD.01

Courtesy of Artist Direct: While virtually all electronic music gives a nod toward the Jamaican dub producers of the '70s, these connections are usually in the realm of method, not result. However, Rob Paine's Worship Recordings brings the dub to the forefront, heavily incorporating the roots music's codes and structures into the house music format. So, the first several tracks on this disc, which mix the first ten of the label's 12" releases, sound like only slightly upgraded models of the King Tubby/Lee "Scratch" Perry classics. It's not until the technotic pulse of Hakan Lidbo's "Trinity" kicks in that the danceable house footing blends with the dub mannerisms. From there, it's a deep and uplifting ride. Solomic Sound's "Nightlife" is the closest thing Worship can claim as an anthem, while "Kidz on Christian Street," produced by former Wamdue Chris Udoh, takes the full-frontal reverb methods of dub and applies them to the minimal techno canon. It might sound cliche, but Worship's house-meets-dub fusion is perfect for a both a night dancefloor and a morning sitting at home with a spliff. Or perhaps lighting up on the dancefloor is the perfect way to appreciate this sound. ~ Joshua Glazer, All Music Guide