The Red Eyes- High Place

Here is an album from the days were "dub" wasn't necessarily preceded by "step". So there's no need to fear an overload of cheesy wub-wub here! The Red Eyes were a reggae-dub band from 2002-2012, with this EP being released in 2004.

Ultra Magnetic quickly establishes a trace-like groove. With it's relatively quick tempo and brilliant rocksteady groove it is wonderfully mind-altering! It reminds me of Massive Attack, if they'd taken more stimulants in their mix of drugs.

The recording quality is great, featuring wall-shaking bass and an array of trippy sounds flying around.

The chorus of Babylon Calling is a deal-breaker for me, for some reason I detest it, both musically and lyrically. The verses are ok, with a strong hint of Bob Marley. While I'm whingeing, the remix B-sides basically add a dollop of drum'n'bass to Ultra Magnetic and High Place. This is, ahem, not my cup of tea.

Inane lyrics are unfortunately a bit of a trend, as they also feature on High Place. Thankfully, again the groove (at a slower tempo in this case) is more than enough to compensate.

Favourite songs

High Place, Ultra Magnetic

Worthwhile?

Despite a few gripes, this album is a wonderfully oddball part of my collection.