About this item

Champagne Dub is a collective of selected artists who come together to practice psychedelic dub rituals. The project was conceived by drummer and producer Betamax (the Comet Is Coming, Soccer96) who makes a nod to a range of influences from free-improv, psychedelic, post punk, English folk, performance art and 70s dub. However the band also draws on the teachings of Zen Buddhist philosophy, to create sound without intention, to capture and dub the natural shape of subconscious intuitions.

After several explosive live shows, the group headed into the studio where they found themselves deep in the presence of a 1/4” tape machine. The results of which were soaked in a biochemically enhanced mix of reverb and analogue effects. This was then distilled into a potent psychoacoustic blend of syncopated hallucinations. Once the vision was truly realised and tested on some animals, it was deemed safe for public consumption and was thus released thru Faith and Industry records.

Bass player Ruth Goller (Melt Yourself Down / Acoustic Ladyland) applies her distinctive sonic boom to the low end of the group. Ed Briggs is a sound artist from Brighton who plays homemade synths incorporating mechanical parts from a Herdie Gurdy. He also programs using MaxMSP where he can perform mind melting sound granulation in real time. Mr Noodles, the anonymous performance artist / vocalist cuts a dark figure on stage. Noodles uses many voices, shamanic percussion and unpredictable movement, haunting the band with a plethora of dreamy mantras. Mexican artist Nahum Mantra's day job normally sees him working for the European Space Agency where he works as an artist / magician. Also known as member of Orchestra Elastique, "Drops" also sees him feature on his natural instrument the theremin. Finally, Betamax (The Comet Is Coming / Soccer96 / Superbest Friends Club / Hot Head Show) has been playing drums for ages. However after taking mushrooms he realised that there was a deeper layer of rhythm that remained trapped by his ego. An expression so honest, naked and uncultured that it had been withheld by the subconscious. It was a rhythm that couldn’t be understood - that always shifted, but always spoke the truth. Together, the sum of all these magically parts makes one cohesive and spellbound body of work. 

STAFF COMMENTS

Martin says: Mad psychedelic-dub concept album here from a range of talented muscians who work to create a unique and arresting piece of work.

TRACK LISTING

1. Schmooze Fest Part 1 3:01
2. Gatito Ven 3:44
3. Drops 6:14
4. Ed's Pipe 1:51
5. Nebulous 6:14
6. Schmooze Fest Part 2 1:43
7. Tundra 7:50
8. Tree Worship 5:18
9. Rubbing Poking