In 2006, having built a formidable reputation for quality compilations of esoteric musical strains from around the world, Soul Jazz started signing current artists, kicking off with a delectable string of 12”s boasting an organic rejuvenation of acid house’s original exploratory blueprint. When the first two years of singles were compiled onto Soul Jazz Records: Singles 2006-2007, dubstep’s new form of specialist electronica was creeping in from the likes of Digital Mystikz and Kode 9: shadowy, night-stalking dubscapes, sometimes underpinning hard-hitting spoken messages.
On this second volume, which collects 53 tracks over three CDs (including limited mix disc), the groundbreaking techno is hardly anywhere to be heard, while original dubstep signings are joined by new names the likes of Cult Of The 13th Hour and Ramadanman, reggae-based new stratas by Tayo and Pinch, plus rampant dancehall from Warrior Queen and Kalbata, all showing how dub can still influence 40 years after its birth. Good oldfashioned dance is represented by the Secondo and ethereal Matias Aguayo, with fiery Brazilians Tetine bringing a shouty punk element. The two most unusual tracks are also the highlights, as label stalwarts Subway sculpt two jaw-dropping Krautrock expeditions, their hypnotic motorik underpinning shimmering synths which grow into cathartic sonic skyscrapers.
