As a single from his forthcoming, fourth album The Cut Up, Dub Gabriel's Luv n' Liv is something quite interesting. It manages to bring together some unlikely, and heavy talent. On vocals you'll hear toasting legend U-Roy. Playing bass is David J, whom you may know from his past work in bands like Bauhaus and Love And Rockets. The whole collaboration was touched off by no less than Scientist, an undeniable legend in the dub world. Following the talent trail further reveals Ysanne Spevack on strings, who recently finished work with Smashing Pumpkins. To call this a motley crew is definitely an understatement. But then you have to consider the remixers too.

1. Luv n' Liv
2. Luv n' Liv (Ming vs. Subatomic Sound System Remix)
3. Luv n' Liv (Lloop Remix)
4. Luv n' Liv (Timeblind Remix)
5. Luv n' Liv (Dub Gabriel Roots Rewind Remix)

Truthfully, the fact that each of these musicians coalesced so amazingly well on this tune should be no surprise at all. Maybe dub and "goth rock" don't often mesh, but if you spent any time at all listening to David J's work with Bauhaus, you know the man has always been a pupil of dub, reggae and those limitless riddims. U-Roy, well it's U-Roy. I don't have to tell you that man is no stranger to the ways of reggae and dub music.

On remix action is Brooklyn's Subatomic Sound System who teams up with Ming, of Ming + FS. They blend the original into a deep and heady dubstep burner. No doubt that mix is going to flatten some dance floors with its bass pressure. Lloop also jump into the remix and really dig deep into an abstract, dub version. In the right frame of mind, this one is engrossing.

Also mixing things up is Timeblind. What they do is incredibly disarming. As with the Lloop mix, you really have to give your mind over to the multiple layers and sonic syncopation. When you do though, it's amazing. It doesn't really build to any grand climactic moment, but its constant roll is hypnotic. Dub Gabriel himself takes the sound back to roots and for those who haven't locked into the almighty power of dubstep, this is the track to seek out. Amazing reggae sound.

Yeah, put a little "bombs" icon on this one. Nice stuff!

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