Subatomic Soundsystem serves up an alternate take for us of their On All Frequencies release. No, this isn't another remix project where the vibe is lost amidst a mish-mash of styles. No, they responded to the dj request for instrumental versions of their tracks. Some might think this a foolish move to remove the vocals and "reduce its commerical viability", but not me and neither should you! Don't get me wrong. The vocals are fantastic on the release and if you don't know what I'm talking about then go get a copy or download it (legally please - they need money to keep putting out these grooves so cough it up buddy ((besides, if you can blow $10 on a movie that sucks then dish it out for some grooves that don't)) and then get back to reading this review).

1. On All Frequencies (Dubstrumental)
2. Ghetto Champion (Riddim)
3. Rize Up (Dubstrumental)
4. Thru the Next Gate (Instrumental)
5. Doin' It (Dubstrumental)
6. Troddin' Along (Riddim)
7. Set The Drums Free
8. Our Father, Our King (Riddim)
9. No Static (Instrumental)
10. Hydroponic Dub
11. Feel Thru Life (Instrumental)
12. Fly Free (Dubstrumental)
13. Heart Of Gold (Dubstrumental)
14. Criminal (Instrumental)
15. Breakin Down The Barriers (Repatriation Dub)

So, the question is "Is it boring?" and the answer is not at all. These mixes give us a chance to listen to the background as it moves to foreground. Heard of reverb? So has Emch and he applies it deftly with a little here and big swells over there. The other great thing is noticing the grooves that go way beyond tired riddems and slaps low end in the mix that shakes the speakers. Drum programming can be tricky to take us from basic beats to interesting thrills. Subatomic works this to their advantage on the instrumentals to showcase creative patterns and percussion that moves these songs into superior territory.

As well as the instrumental mixes, we are graced with a dj mix set that reworks the songs into an ebb and flow of dub. The songs are tightened up to keep things moving and the mix is varied in tempo and groove to keep you saying "Oh, I like that one" over and over again.

~ Dedric Moore

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