Category:
Electronic / Hip-Hop

Try if you like:
Burial, Mad Cobra, Sizzla

While I wasn't that into many electronic or beat-centric albums in 2008, there was one album that kept coming back to me, or me to it. That was The Bug's London Zoo. Kevin Martin has been involved with many projects over the years, including The Bug but this album restores faith that there is still a time and place for dub-heavy music. The electronic side of things may be a bit heavy for some dub aficionados but you have to admit that there Kevin is definitely onto something with his premium production job and the array of MCs that he brought in for London Zoo. 

I find with pretty much all dub there is a foreboding feeling with the production. I think that is just the eerie soundscapes that they are able to create. Like on the track "You and Me" you just feel like looking around all the time in case someone is creeping up on you. The album comes out of the gates with fury though. It's the song "Angry" featuring Tippa Irie, hard hitting in a dancehall sort of fashion. Things keep on pace with "Murder", taking on a bit more of a contemporary feel but still heavy in the dancehall vein. 

You don't need to be into dub or electronic music to get into London Zoo. This is just a solid album. One of those albums that transcends genres. Make sure you don't miss out on it as well.