Reviewed by Andy Long

Dub War's debut album release for Earache opens with a pounding thrashy number, "Why?", with all the thundering rhythms and choppy guitar riffs that they have become known for. The majority of the album is new material, but there are new versions of "Mental", "Nar Say A Ting", "Respected" and "Over Now", all of which have been available in Words Of Warning versions previously. I was initially disappointed with the new version of "Nar Say A Ting" which is not as hefty as the old version. But that aside, the album as a whole still looks like being one of '95's best listens. "Mad Zone" is one the album's thrashiest moments, but there's a lot of diversity here: "Spiritual Warfare" is a riff-charged rock number with an addictive hook and solid lyric which leads interestingly into "Fool's Gold", a mellow dance groove with an acid jazz feel and not even the slightest hint of distortion. "Strike It" begins in a similar fashion, but rapidly beefs up. The title track is classic Dub War, the blend of punk, rock and ragga that will forever be known as "thragga". 'Pain' is an album that reveals a band that know few boundaries, it is truly original and exceptionally exciting and it's about to be toured!

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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