Tradition

When it comes to dub, South London's Soothsayers are renowned for their take on the form. The collective's live show has been a mainstay of Brixton's scene for nearly two decades, and they’ve also released six albums since they formed. Their latest effort, Tradition, is signed to Wah Wah 45s and they take advantage of this connection by enlisting labelmate Dele Sosimi for the infectious track ‘Sleepwalking (Black Man's Cry)’.

Elsewhere, the lovers rock of ‘Nothing Can Stop Us’ has a warming vocal hook, catchy horns and intricate guitar playing, while ‘Watching the Stars’ features the strong and alluring vocal talents of Julia Biel. Lead single ‘Dis & Dat’ explores several of the themes that colour much of the lyrical content on this record, taking aim at governmental powers: ‘the height of your hypocrisy, that can’t be right’. Prevailing themes for dub perhaps, but the instrumentation and Afro-infused percussion makes it an enjoyable, albeit familiar-sounding, listen.