Entering an impressive 3rd decade, Dreadzone, one of the most energetic, exciting and powerful live bands to emerge from the post-rave scene, release a brand new album “Dread Times” on February 17th 2017.
‘Dread Times’ is the band’s 8th studio album and the 3rd release on their own “Dubwiser” label. Their old skool dread sound comes bubbling to the surface on this album and it digs deeper into their dub and reggae roots whilst still keeping the beats fresh and the textures electronic. Conscious lyrics, social ills, matters of the heart and mind merge with 21st century dubwise flavours. The album is an eclectic rolling journey that recalls elements from an illustrious 23 year history while always looking ahead to the next phase.
Alongside core members Greg Dread, who produced this 12 track album, Leo Williams, Chris Compton, reggae vocalist Earl 16 and MC Spee, Dread Times introduces younger blood into the mix with newest member Bazil bringing an edge to the sonic process and Greg’s son Marlon expanding the musical range further. Don Letts also returns with lyrical contributions, as does Lena Cullen on vocals for one track, with 90s ragga duo Louchie Lou and Michie One guesting on another. Recorded again at Mick Jones’ Bunker Studio, arranged at Dread Central and mixed by fellow founder Tim Bran, this is classic West London Zone with an updated edge. Dread music for an unpredictable world, these are Dread Times.
Pioneered by former members of Big Audio Dynamite (and, by inheritance, carrying forward the heart and soul of The Clash) Dreadzone’s two decade plus career has been championed by the late John Peel, signed to the legendary Creation Records and Virgin before finally securing their independence by founding their own aforementioned Dubwiser record label.
Since their inception in 1993 Dreadzone have steadily been releasing underground storms of albums, progressively bettering, refining and perfecting their own unique and inimitable take on dub – mixed as it is with aspects of dance, sublime guitar riffs, folk roots sentiments and breakbeat bass styles – whilst bringing the party to every club, dancehall and field they’ve shown up at. Always blowing audiences away and steadily earning for themselves the best possible reputation as a live act in the process.
2017 tour dates announced so far:
FEBRUARY
Fri 10 PONTARDAWE Arts Centre
Sat 11WOLVERHAMPTON Slade Rooms
Fri 17 SHEFFIELD The Plug
Sat 18 GLOUCESTER Guildhall
Sun 19 TUNBRIDGE WELLS The Forum
Thu 23 BRISTOL Fleece
Fri 24 BRIGHTON Concorde 2
MARCH
Fri 3 POOLE My Kyps
Sat 4 EXETER Phoenix
Fri 17 MALVERN Cube
Sat 18 MILTON KEYNES Craufurd Arms
Fri 24 PLYMOUTH The Hub
Sat 25 SOUTHAMPTON The Brook
Fri 31 NOTTINGHAM Rescue Rooms
APRIL
Sat 1 NEWCASTLE Academy 2
Fri 7 READING SUB 89
Sat 8 CARDIFF Globe
Sat 15 FROME Cheese and Grain
Fri 21 MANCHESTER Band on the Wall
Sat 22 KENDAL Brewery Arts Centre
Sat 29 LONDON Under The Bridge
www.dreadzone.com
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