Background/ Composition:
French reggae/raga dancehall collective Dub Inc. are a driving force both culturally and politically. The band feature two dueling vocalists who trade the spotlight and merge a variety of vocal styles from Jamaican toasting to Arabic wailing.
Their uptempo dynamic sound is an ear-catching, butt-wiggling mix of many reggae sub-genres. Dub Inc.’s French lyrics are politically-charged, tackling many of the problems enveloping their native France and preaching brotherhood and love.
Grade: 95
Comment:
While Dub Inc. seemed to run on a Gallic timetable, starting a half-hour late, they launched into a powerful set of beats and dubstep sounds before the two vocalists, Algerian-descended Bouchekour and dancehall-toast master Komlan, appeared quickly rousing the completely charged crowd to tear the roof off the tiny Rivoli.
Achievement of Rock ‘n’ Roll Expectations
80-100: Exceeds skill and knowledge expectations, i.e. rocked us so
hard we peed our pants.
70-79: Achieves required skills and knowledge. Meets rock ‘n’ roll standard.
60-69: Demonstrates some skills. Approaches rock ‘n’ roll standard.
50-59: Demonstrates some required skills and knowledge in a limited way.
00-50: Has not demonstrated required skills or knowledge.
Learning Skills: E=Excellent, G=Good, S=Satisfactory, N=Sad Really
Oral And Visual Communication
Eye Contact: E
Pronunciation: E
Stage Presence: E
Stage Banter: G
Image: E
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
These guys are a perfect mix of laid-back, casual rhythms and are comparable to the best of the ’70s reggae greats. They’ve also got the aggressive intensity of dancehall topped by searing, politically-charged vocals you might hear from old school punkers.
It only took second from the appearance of Dub Inc.’s two vocalists to get the joint moving, as Bouchekour urged the subdued crowd to jump, jump, jump and they heartily followed these emphatic instructions.
Although half the crowd were francophones, both Bouchekour and Komlan spoke briefly in English, thanking the crowd and wishing Toronto well.
Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: G
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: E
Work Habits: E
Organization: E
Audience Participation: E
Sound: E
Composition: E
Songs: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
This group have singlehandedly rejuvenated a stagnant musical form by injecting Arabic/North African influences and perfectly tossing in some incendiary political commentary through Komlan’s aggressive, gravelly dancehall vocal leads. The backing band are tighter than James Franco’s arm in 127 Hours, laying down some of the grooviest back beats this side of Chicago.
Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: E
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: E
Sexiness: E
Haircut: E
Indie Rock Footwear: E
Nods To Disposible Fashion: E
Cool Equipment: G
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability: G
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Half of Dub Inc. had awesome dreads. Both the guitarist Jeremie Gregeois and bassist Moritz Von Korff had dreads that hung down to their asses. Kamlan was dressed rather conservatively in a checked shirt and jeans, while Bouchekour wore a prestine white long-sleeved one piece dress called a Thoub.
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