As a vital component in the thriving late ’70s-early ’80s UK dub scene, Creation Rebel amassed a worthy discography. On October 6, after 40 years, the trio of core members Crucial Tony, Charlie “Eskimo” Fox, and Mr. Magoo return with a new record, Hostile Environment, that is as engagingly bent as its grooves are deep. Its high quality is no surprise, as the list of guest contributors is substantial, and there are archival recordings from the late deejay Prince Far I in the equation. Furthermore, the outfit’s constant associate Adrian Sherwood aided with production as he released the results on yellow vinyl and four panel digipak CD on his On-U Sound label.
As told by Adrian Sherwood, who was there from the start, Creation Rebel initially came together as a studio project and backing group. The first record released by Sherwood, not on On-U Sound but on the Hitrun label, was credited to Creation Rebel. Issued in 1978, Dub From Creation features productions and vocals from Prince Far I that were gifted to Sherwood for use on the record.
This sets up a robust circularity, for as mentioned, this return to action from Creation Rebel gets boosted by two Prince Far I vocals that were discovered in the vault, and right off the bat in “Swiftly (The Right One),” where the deejay’s voice gets speed altered until he sounds like a groggy mountain giant. It’s just one part of a deliciously twisted dub scheme that includes some sweetly unusual synth playing from the noted reggae affiliated musician-producer Gaudi.
Sherwood’s telling of the Creation Rebel story details an increase in vocals that found them straddling the roles of backing band and proper group, but it’s still nice to hear they’re capable of spirited instrumentals like the melodica-driven “Stonebridge Warrior.” But a hearty lead-backing vocal weave (complete with toasting and a little off-kilter scatting) is integral to the forceful impact of “Under Pressure.”
“That’s More Like It” slows the pace as the spaciness rises, complete with swirling echo, acid guitar licks, explosive stutter spasms of tech, and a general mood that would fit perfectly on the soundtrack to a low budget suspense flick. It’s followed by “Jubilee Clock,” the second consecutive instrumental and a total clinic in bass-heavy slow motion throbbing dub.
A less stretched out Prince Far I returns for the slinky groove of “This Thinking Feeling,” with further assistance at the mic from Daddy Freddy. The track’s horns carry over to the soulful “Whatever It Takes,” where Denise Sherwood duets with Mr. Magoo (aka Veral Rose); it’s the closest Hostile Environment comes to a pop moment.
Without delay, “Salutation Gardens” and “Crown Hill Road” are dub heavy tracks sans vocals with an above the norm instrumental dexterity solidifying the foundation. This aspect particularly elevates “The People’s Sound (Tribute to Daddy Vego),” with its blend of Cyrus Richard’s piano and organ, Tony’s guitar, Magoo’s percussion, and Gaudi’s synth capped by lyrics in praise of the late Jamaican record shop owner and sound system operator Daddy Vego.
The closing instrumental “Off the Spectrum” is unperturbed yet strange as it highlights the root of Hostile Environment’s musical strength. Sherwood’s presence is felt throughout, but never does he prop Creation Rebel up.
GRADED ON A CURVE:
A-
