Playgroup - Epic Sound LP
Here's a monster of its own. Not to be confused with Trevor Jackson's early 2000 project (even if the British producer has obviously been informed by post-punk, dub, post-industrial and the likes), Playgroup was more than anything a collective, based somewhere around Bristol and London. Drummer Bruce Smith was the key figure behind the project. Neneh Cherry's husband and fabulous motorik force for The Pop Group, The Slits, New Age Steppers, African Head Charge, and -- more recently -- Public Image Limited, Bruce brought the post-punk aura into the realm of controlled chaos with several partners in crime. Playgroup is the so-called English version of Jamaican dub, informed by the industrial revolution and the studio wizardry of On-U Sound acolytes. Crucial Tony (Creation Rebel, Dub Syndicate, Singers & Players) on bass and guitars, Sean Oliver (New Age Steppers, Rip Rig & Panic) on guitar, the almighty Style Scott (Creation Rebel, Dub Syndicate, New Age Steppers) on drums, and percussionists Eskimo (African Head Charge, Creation Rebel, Mark Stewart And The Maffia) and Bonjo I (African Head Charge) are among the main conspirators here. Produced by none else than Adrian Sherwood, Epic Sound Battles Chapter One still resonates with its original dark humor and guerrilla warfare tactics. Clear 180 gram vinyl.