Asian Dub Foundation Crank Up the Volume for More Signal More Noise Launch
Despite a period of relative silence, the righteous Asian dub foundation jacked-up the volume to light-up a corner of South London for their celebratory launch party for their latest album “More Signal More Noise” - a part re-imagined version of their 2013 album which only came out in Japan.
A loyal and well-worn crowd descended upon the Brixton electric, a rough around the edges Art Deco former theatre in the heart of Brixton, to witness the genre-blending ADF present their new material.
ADF have long championed their eclectic sound, a politically infused mish-mash of rapcore, jungle, bhangra and punk – into something danceable, and their new work did not fail to please the crowd, the majority of which appeared to be faithful fans of the project. ADF still have that unmistakable unique and inventive sound, and really came into their own playing live, with serious levels of high octane energy and electrifying stage presence.
After various label and artist changes, including the return of founders Dr Dass, Ricky Singh and also on-off vocalist Ghetto Priest the band are back with an even slicker sound aided by renowned producer Adrian Sherwood. Newer addition to the project, and key highlight of the evening, Nathan “Flutebox” Lee played stunning flute melodies that echoed beautifully over the drum and bass jungalist beats, perfectly blending jazz with eastern influence.
More Signal More Noise has some new tracks and also some re-versioned tracks from recent years. The politically charged “Stand-Up”, is a rallying cry and call to action for social and political change and it gets the crowd swaying and singing along. The standout track of the night is undoubtedly the powerful and upbeat “Blade Ragga”, with its bassy jungle beats - it whips the crowd into a hands in the air dancing frenzy. Truly devoted to pleasing their devoted followers with some of the old favourites, the Electric imploded for “Flyover”, a jungalist treat from their 2005 album “Tank”.
ADFs sound has matured, as have their audience but despite their absence from the scene in recent years and the myriad of changes, this sextet are back in full force. Nothing has been lost in translation and ADF are back - believing, passionate and relevant as ever.
