Dubcatcher 2: Wicked My Yout

The Russian-born, New York-based DJ Vadim returns with another fast-paced reggae volume under the pseudonym Dubcatcher, this time pulling in some serious guest vocalists. Max Romeo and Dreadzone's Earl Sixteen have voices that are so recognisable to the genre that they slip into the mix like vintage instruments, while Vadim's knack for finding unusual talent gives the project a strong contemporary edge. Everything from roots to dancehall to jungle is honoured here. Big-hitting track ‘Run Come Massive’ has an English/French-switching rap from Big Red, while the lush vocals of Kathrin deBoer bounce lazily over an 80s dancehall rhythm for the chorus; fans of legendary singjay Tenor Saw will approve. Dancehall's grittier side is best represented on ‘Murder Murder’, where Earl Sixteen's intro is pounced on by a certain Jimmy Screech in a politically charged, Damien Marley-esque rampage. Every track feels fit to burst, but Vadim's careful phasing and turntable work keeps Wicked My Yout from boiling over. Full marks for condensing such a wealth of diverse talent onto one album.