8 Tracks: Rob Smith’s Bristol’s Round Up

 
Music

Rob Smith is one of those British bass manipulators – like Adrian Sherwood or Dennis Bovell- whose influence on dance music worldwide goes far beyond his slightly under-radar profile. As part of Smith & Mighty, Smith was instrumental in developing the Bristol sound; a mix of breakbeat science, chest thumping dub bass, hip hop sample culture, and heavy, stoned soul. This is a sound that's been referenced both explicitly (Ray Keith recently told Ransom Note how he wholeheartedly nicked the famous Terrorist bassline was from Smith & Mighty's Alright) and at a couple of steps of remove – it's doubtful Skrillex would be producing dubstep chart botherers featuring the bashment vocals of Damien Marley if the foundations hadn't been laid in Bristol a couple of decades back. 

Now, working under the name AMJ Meets RSD, Smith has a new album on the way; Sky Blue Love. It's a record of deep, outerspace dub that's already had the stamp of approval from Rodigan. Listen to a sample below, and look out for the album's release via Astar Artes recordings on April 25th…

The Pop Group / She's Beyond Good And Evil

Ahead of their time clashing styles and using dub treatments. I first saw them play in 1978, they were presenting

something completely different.

  • The Pop Group / She's Beyond Good And Evil

    Ahead of their time clashing styles and using dub treatments. I first saw them play in 1978, they were presenting

    something completely different.

  • The Wild Bunch - The Look Of Love

    Killer track featuring a great vocal from Miles Johnson, this for me was the best recording to come from the Wild

    Bunch. Maybe a little overlooked but did set a standard.

  • Smith And Mighty - Anyone - 1988 - Buzz Fm Manchester

    To hell with false modesty, this was a game changer.

  • Tricky - 'Aftermath' (Official Video)

    Both versions, dope and spine chilling.. Tricky’s an originator and like most of us, hated the term ‘Trip Hop’

  • Dj Krust - Warhead

    A relentless banger from one of Bristol’s finest. Brave and pushy, unifying the dance floor, this tune meant it.

  • Pinch - Qawwali

    Although not strictly from Bristol, Pinch pioneered this sound here, and gave it to the city like a gift.

  • Dubkasm Victory [Extended Version] [Vinyle Rip] [Hd]

    Too many fine reggae tunes came out of Bristol but this one from long time players Stryda & Digi is most triumphant

    and magnificent.

  • Kahn - Dread (Deep Medi Musik) 2012

    Kahn picks up the torch, and alongside Ishan Sound and many other young talented producers, continue to make

    Bristol proud.