Post by jptheprofessor on Jun 29, 2008 22:39:14 GMT -5
DUBMISSIVE – DUBMISSIVE (Twenty-Two Twenty-One Records) On their self-titled ten-song CD, Johnstown trio Dubmissive channels anxieties about life, their hometown, society and world into a spirited mixture of punk, reggae, ska, hip-hop and more. Singer/guitarist Bobby Dub, bassist/singer Joe Sell and drummer Kevin Dom (preceded and since replaced by Steve Hanik) boldly blend these musical flavors into often incendiary and bracing assaults. Against a frequent backdrop of lean, bouncing rhythms and sizzling guitar chords, Dub displays a vocal style that combines punk-geared disaffection with a Zack de la Rocha cadence, punctuated by brief bursts of emotion and rage along the way. His presentation convincingly sells the message of taking back our streets on the passionate hard reggae opener “Rebel Song,” as well as the theme of frustration from stifled hopes and ideals on the hard-driving “Desperation.” In a calmer vein, Dub grasps for hope on “Something to Believe,” and cites history to deal with society’s current problems on “Exodus.” Ska, punk and hip-hop flavors converge on “From These Burning Streets;” ska and punk drive “Heartbreaker” and “Alright By Me;” while “Down and Out” and the album finisher “Driving Away” are straightforward punk-rocking assaults. Dubmissive’s performances are often charged and aggressive, as they efficiently execute their song arrangements with hardly a note wasted. Dub sometimes hits the flat note and doesn’t always execute flush against the beat; but his confidence and passion ultimately win the day. Dave Villani’s production and mix give the drums and bass ample punch, enabling these songs to jump out on first listen; while his tasteful keyboard finishing touches provide depth and color on some of the album’s milder moments. Overall, Dubmissive is a strong first album that introduces a young, restless band with its own distinctive drive, vibe and flavor. (The CD can be purchased through Dubmissive's website, www.dubmissive.com.)