Fear of a Green Planet represents a slightly bizarre episode in the ongoing Dub Syndicate project; for one thing, it's on the Shanachie label instead of On-U Sound, the band's home base. Second of all, it is rumored to be an alternate mix (by regular producer Adrian Sherwood) of an On-U release titled Mellow & Colly (mixed by Scientist), though there are contradicting reports in that regard (another version of the story has the alternate mix released under the title Fear of a Green Planet, but on the Lion & Roots label with two bonus tracks). In any case, this is one of the most satisfying Dub Syndicate albums in years. The mainly instrumental tracks walk that familiar fine line between strictly traditional roots reggae and avant-garde craziness that Sherwood and Dub Syndicate helped to define back in the 1980s, and the grooves (courtesy of drummer "Style" Scott and bassist "Flabba" Holt are darker and heavier than ever. The guest musicians are particularly distinguished this time out as well -- Bill Laswell contributes basslines on several tracks, and singjay pioneer Big Youth sits in on three others. Highlights include the spare and eerie "Hey Geoff" and the melodica-powered "Greater David." Highly recommended. ~ Rick Anderson

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