Dub Pistols ‘Worshipping The Dollar’ Reviewed

Worshipping The Dollar, Dub Pistols’ fifth album, is aural snapshots of various neighborhoods in their hometown of London, England. Party igniting DJ Barry Ashworth helms the longstanding instrument-driven, production-based collective, a holdover from big beat’s late ‘90s heyday. Ashworth’s instinctual understanding of the sounds of London streets along with his extensive experience in clubs inform Dollar’s musical direction. Held up by a ska scaffold and never venturing too far from a Caribbean tempo and tone—or its death grip on horn blasts—Dollar dips the occasional tentative toe into other floor-friendly styles. There is recycled drum ‘n’ bass rhythms on the Rodney P. vocalized “Mucky Weekend,” an old school electrified ragga zap on “Gunshot” courtesy of Rodney and Darrison, plus garden-variety hip hop vibes on “New Skank” and “Countermeasure.” There are even calming dub reggae flavors on moody numbers with the key word “dub” in their titles. Dollar isn’t the reinvention of dance music, but Dub Pistols’ strongest suit is their live presentation, and Dollar provides some choice material for that experience.

Written by: Lily Moayeri