Dreadzone formed in 1993 when the former Big Audio Dynamite rhythm section; drummer Greg Dread Roberts and bassist Leo Williams teamed up with musician, producer and mixer Tim Bran.
Throughout the 1990s Dreadzone had continually remixed itself; chopping and changing members and record labels (including stints on both Virgin and Alan McGees Creation). Greg and Tim decided to approach the new millennium with a fresh idea in the form of theDubwiser Club night at Notting Hill Arts Club
They channeled their energy into club nights that fused dub and reggae with contemporary beats to create the perfect soundtrack for people from different planets. This proved a fertile musical playground which had an immediate impact on the Dreadzone mindset, and it was in this climate (helped by their new Dread Central studio complex) that the band would create Sound, released on Ruff Life in 2001.
Written and evolved over a two-year period, Sound features contributions from Don Letts, Earl 16, Aswads Brinsley Forde and MC Det. As this re-issue demonstrates, the album as a whole sounds as fresh and vibrant today as it did upon release. Indeed, tracks such as Digital Mastermind and Dreadpon Sound have now reached classic status, becoming entrenched favorites in the Dreadzone live show. It it is also notable for the first appearance of a certain MC Spee on opener, Return of The Dread.
Dreadzone are still going strong after over 20 years in the game with core members Greg Dread, Leo Williams, MC Spee and legendary reggae vocalist Earl 16 alongside Chris Compton on guitar and Bazil. They continue to tour extensively, and this re-issue is being accompanied by an extensive set of tour & festival performances.
Tim Bran has become one of the UKs most in demand producers, co-producing London Grammars debut If You Wait, as well as working with artist as diverse as James Morrison and Rhodes. Tim reignited his association with Dreadzone in 2013, producing their critically acclaimed studio album Escapades.
Fri 23 DERBY Flowerpot
Sat 24 NORWICH Waterfront
Fri 30 WARWICK Copper Rooms
Sat 31 NARBERTH Queens Hall
Thu 12 CAMBRIDGE Junction 2
Fri 13 STOCKTON KU Bar
Sat 14 EDINBURGH Electric Circus
Sun 15 LEEDS Brudenell Social Club
Fri 20 BRISTOL Fleece
Sat 21 MEGADOG Manchester Academy 1
DECEMBER
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