My pick of the week, Brooklyn based Dub Trio's debut full-length, Exploring the Dangers of"¦ is essentially and unmistakably a live dub assault. The small

My pick of the week, Brooklyn based Dub Trio's debut full-length, Exploring the Dangers of"¦ is essentially and unmistakably a live dub assault. The small ensemble brings a much-needed rhythm and groove to the wandering antics of various Brooklyn collectives. Influences like King Tubby, Dennis Bovell, Sly & Robbie, Roots Radics and Dub Syndicate all shine through on this enthusiastic, skillful, playful and great listening experience. Each established groove gets tweaked and stretched-out bringing to mind slight moments of the roots of post-rock. Remember when Tortoise used to get dubby? Well this turns the tables a bit. Dub Trio place themselves firmly in the dub tradition, no cross-genre fusion.

Using simply bass, guitar, drums, live sampling and effects, and occasional melodica, they go places few have recently treaded or revisited. And when they get a little "post" it's always rooted in the tight rockers-style rhythms. From the opener "Drive by Dub," you'll know you're in store for a sonic, groove based, phunky-reggae party. With all the reissues and comps around, it's a wonder a new and young live dub band hasn't emerged until now. Fans of Dub, Dub, and Dub owe it to themselves to pick this one up. Oh, and if you like any groove based, slightly psychedelic live music you should check this out too. And if you need further proof of how good they are in person, Exploring the Dangers of"¦ includes three live recordings as well. Definitely a band to go see! Recommended"¦d"¦d"¦d...d. [DG] (September 22, 2004)