She’s not only got her Dubstep Warz compilation coming out next month but the series that has got to be the leader on the scene must be the Dubstep Allstars on Tempa. Now on Vol 4, they’ve released a double CD for the first time. Both are mix CDs by two of the leading lights, Youngsta (CD1) and Hatcha (CD2). The Hatcha mix squeezes 26 tunes onto the CD and I prefer the slower pace of Youngsta (a mere 18 tracks). Within all the dark heavyweight bass bouncing dub skankin’ halfsteppers both DJs feature copious amounts of Skream and Digital Mystikz.

Now that man Rob da Bank (of Sunday Best and Folk Off fame) knows how to rock (well dub) a Big Top. At Bestival, Skream was doing the business on Saturday. No idea what tracks he was playing but there were huge vibrations going on. And if there was any doubt, on the Sunday, there was Kode 9 followed by Digital Mystikz with MC Sgt. Pokes.

In fact, Digital Mystikz looked most perturbed though his set. He interrupted a roadie setting up the stage for Armorphous Androgynous. This guy was not happy with the interruption to his important work. Digital Mystikz, in his best Sun Ra t-shirt, decided to get the crowd involved. “We can’t hear the bass” was the complaint. The guy on the control desk looked incredulous. It was already bagging out at 11! The show continued. Throbbing all the way.

We encountered Kode 9 on the opening track of BiggaBush’s Sound Sensation and if that particular dark style is more your thing, Dubstep Allstars: Vol 03 is the the one. Mixed by Kode 9,it features The Spaceape. Not so much an MC, but more of an underground Benjamin Zephaniah of the dark side. Lots more Skream and Digital Mystikz on that Vol 3 mix in addition to Kode 9’s ‘Nine Samurai’ (Hyperdub). Also check, his track ‘Kingston’ on Hyperdub but it’s hard to find on vinyl.

In truth the CDs are good, but it wasn’t until I heard dubstep on a live system that it made any sense at all. In fact, the only way to hear dubstep is very loud with the bass turned up to the max. It was DJ Tanner who opened my ears (possibly the wrong phrase) when he was using the whole of Thymeless as a bassbin introducing me to the sound of Toronto’s very own Digitalia. This was his first night at Thymeless with his laptop set (more due to the difficulties of finding vinyl than any trend to go digital). Together with DJ Travesty they made such an impression in this mostly reggae orientated joint, they got themselves a monthly residency. Good people and a great bar if you’re ever out that way; definitely casual.

Back in the UK, with the news of a Kode 9 album droping soon, dubstep is due an ever expanding profile. Plus, next week, Mary Ann Hobbs’ show moves to Thursday nights and it’s worth keeping track as this week she featured the brilliant Kool Keith / Dr. Octagon (next week, September 28th a Squarepusher special). And she’s bound to do something special for forthcoming John Peel Day.

Links:
Mary Ann Hobbs :: Tuesday 19 September :: HEADLINE SET: Dr Octagon / Kool Keith
Kode 9 & Space Ape — ‘Sine of the Dub’ (Hyperdub) “A huge favourite of John Peel back in the day”.
www.myspace.com/maryannehobbs
www.kode9.com
www.myspace.com/kode9
www.digitalianation.com
Thymeless Bar & Grill, 355 College St. Toronto, ON M5T 1S5
http://myspace.com/grimfeast

Reviewed — V/A — Dubstep Allstars: Vol.04 (Tempa) Cat. No: TEMPACD 006 (2xCD) Release date: July 2006
Tracklisting:
1-01 Skream — Dub Period (3:07)
1-02 Loefah — Rufage (2:43)
1-03 Skream — Morning Blues (2:01)
1-04 Digital Mystikz — Blue Notez (4:42)
1-05 D1 — Missin’ (2:42)
1-06 Loefah — System (2:54)
1-07 Skream — Warning (D1 Remix) (2:54)
1-08 Skream — Rottan VIP (3:07)
1-09 Loefah — Mud (3:35)
1-10 D1 — Cocaine (2:54)
1-11 Skream — Welcome 2 The Future (3:06)
1-12 Digital Mystikz — Hunter (Bobby) (3:26)
1-13 D1 — Firin’ Blanks (2:40)
1-14 Headhunter — Descent (3:06)
1-15 D1 — Foundation (1:47)
1-16 Headhunter — Dream Paths (3:07)
1-17 D1 — Greazy (3:35)
1-18 Skream — Deep Concentration (5:10)
2-01 Skream vs. Hijak — Babylon Timewarp (3:36)
2-02 Digital Mystikz — Old Hope (1:34)
2-03 Kromestar — Iron Dread (2:48)
2-04 Skream — Dutch Flowers (2:14)
2-05 Kromestar — Shakti Dub (2:29)
2-06 Digital Mystikz — Left Leg Out (1:52)
2-07 Benga — Broken Step (3:02)
2-08 Benga — Electro Music (2:16)
2-09 Benga — Zombie Jig (2:53)
2-10 Benga — Always Swinging (1:33)
2-11 Benga — Ammo (2:09)
2-12 Skream — Blipstream (4:12)
2-13 Kromestar — Surgery (1:59)
2-14 Digital Mystikz — Bleep (1:45)
2-15 Digital Mystikz — All Of A Sudden (0:59)
2-16 Kromestar — Ghost Town (2:03)
2-17 Digital Mystikz — Clash (2:25)
2-18 Benga & Walsh — Dreamscape 24 (2:00)
2-19 Benga — Killer’s About (2:33)
2-20 Skream — Midnight Request Line (Mala Remix) (2:41)
2-21 Distance & Skream — Wise Men (2:40)
2-22 Skream — WMD (3:18)
2-23 Digital Mystikz — Chaser (1:49)
2-24 Skream — Me Love It (Instrumental) (4:12) Feat. Warrior Queen
2-25 Kromestar — Heavy Mental (2:39)
2-26 Benga -Combs 70 (4:31)