GENTLEMAN’S DUB CLUB | LIVE REVIEW
Tramshed, Cardiff, Sat 28 Oct
Without a doubt one of the liveliest bands I’ve ever seen perform, after seeing festival veterans Gentleman’s Dub Club at Glastonbury this summer, I knew what was to be expected. Distanced from the carelessness you have at a festival, some clearly made sure to stand back to avoid a moshpit. I don’t think you could justify going to a GDC gig without being flung around and have some beer spilt on you.
The tour is in light of their newest album release, Dubtopia, soon after their last album, 2016’s The Big Smoke. The new tracks fit seamlessly into their recognisable signature mix of ska, dub, reggae and rap – full of such good hooks, in particular Dancing In The Breeze, Let A Little Love and personal favourite, In Your Heart. Songs which take me back to Bristol nights out of reggae rhythms and crack of dawn bedtimes. This quick turnaround of this album is proof of GDC’s captivating melody and songwriting talents, and their hard work over the last few years.
Vocalist Jonathan Scratchley led in with Music Is The Girl I Love; in this relatively small venue, it’s as if this brass-powered nine-piece were playing one of their first ever gigs, full of elation and gratification which is always such a pleasure to witness. Scratchley’s smooth uplifting vocals in Your Light show how adaptable and eclectic their influences and sound are, jumping from reggae to electronica and even jazz.
The end of the set played host to an early signature track, Emergency, Madness-esque ska with a repetitive sax beat. Earthquake and High Grade soon follow before Gentleman’s Dub Club end with Fire, all textbook songs from a party band who tour extensively, appear in UK festivals yearly and are long renowned for their live performances.
words CADI DAFYDD JONES