Daniel Lanois is a pretty prolific artist whose work spans the decades and transcends genre's and classification. He's worked as a producer, composer, and musician on more records than you can think of and his reputation for capturing atmospherics and putting them down on tape is nearly legendary. His works are mysterious and nearly ethereal and he's one of the most creative individuals on the planet. His newest effort, Black Dub, features him as part of a power trio that creates an atmospheric dubby bluesy take on soul music. With Lanois on guitars, Brian Blade on Drums, and Belgian vocalist Trixie Whitley they've created a swirly soulful self-titled album that sounds as if the blues got lost in a storm of Cocteau Twins records.
With its bluesy sound lost in a haze, the album is quite possibly the most beautiful and strange rhythm and blues record you will ever hear. With guitars reverbing and echoing all over the place, drums whispering subtle beats, and Whitley's vocals sounding far more mature than she actually is, the record will simply leave you in awe at how these three musicians manage to sweep aside convention and make a record that probably shouldn't exist. Black Dub isn't necessarily an instant hit, but rather a record that's perfectly suited to subtlety working its way into your subconscious and then never leaving it. With no obvious singles present but loads of lofty and airy songs the soul music that creeps through is hidden amongst all the guitar play.
Black Dub is a fascinating record that only someone like Daniel Lanois could make happen. His ability to mix everything together and come out with an ethereal rhythm and blues record is crazy stuff to behold. Black Dub isn't a traditional rhythm and blues record and that's what makes it a great listen...blues fan or not this is one that crosses boundaries and genres to appeal to anyone who likes a guitar and a great voice.
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