Alpha & Omega - Mystical Things (CD)

All Music Guide

This prolific London-based duo is responsible for some of the most convincing old-school reggae to come from the first world. While the group's production style partakes of the special brand of ambient insanity that seems to fuel all dub-inflected reggae from London (cf. Adrian Sherwood's On-U Sound, the Mad Professor's Ariwa studio, etc.), at its core is a deep respect for the verities; the echoes you hear in Alpha Omega's reverb-soaked mixes come straight from the Black Ark and King Tubbys. This program opens showcase style, with the dreamy sufferer's lament "It Hurts," followed by a fine dub version, then gets down to the business of serious and primarily instrumental dub, with steppers anthems like "Wounded" and dark one-drop excursions like "Poor Man's Dub." The mix is always dense and claustrophobic, but in a good way; the bass and drums cut through the smoke with melodic precision and the supporting parts waft through the mix like cumulus clouds and desert wind. Highly recommen...ded. - Rick Anderson, All Music Guide Read more Less