DJ Vadim proves with his new album that he is king of dancehall reggae. The last few years have seen Vadim support Fat Freddy’s Drop worldwide as well as remixing their back catalogue, touring with Anthony B, Capelton, Macka B, Collie Budz... But don't be fooled into thinking that this is an album recreating a bygone era of one music genre. It’s an album taking influences from classic roots music, 80s digital, bashment, original UK 2 step soul, bass culture and of course some boom bap rap...

Dubcatcher is an interesting album. Over the course of the 16 tracks (1 hr, 06 min, 05 sec) DJ Vadim covers everything from jazz to ska, making a detour via dance, hip hop, soul and reggae.

Notable tracks include 'Consignment' (Feat. Governor Tiggy); 'Sweet Like a Lolly' (Feat. Governor Tiggy); 'Action' (Feat. Jimmy Screech); and 'Raggamuffin Life' (Feat. Jamalski).

While the music here is seriously intense, Vadim shows his humorous side. 'Action' features the lyrics: "I'm trying to get a piece of your action... your action", where the second "your action" sounds like "your erection".

This is a funky, seriously tuned in collection that covers so many bases that it's hard not to find something to love.

8

Nick Smithson