Salmonella Dub @ HiFi Bar,Melbourne (26/11/09)

Sun 29th Nov, 2009 in Gig Reviews

It had been about a year and half since I had seen Salmonella Dub, since last time they have evolved into quite a different band. Last time I saw them they had more of a rootsy sound to their music, with a back beat of dub and trance. This time around they have upped the funk and the dance hall elements of their set. I’m still not sure if I like this change or not, last nights set was lacking in something but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it.

Like most other New Zealand dub reggae acts I’ve seen the gigs are more about the feeling and the groove as opposed to just replicating the songs from the album, this is where Salmonella Dub thrive when they build on that bass driven groove you can feel it through out your body. Their bass squirms through your body, like a writhing boa constrictor. Most of the songs they played didn’t have much of a resemblance to the album tracks; a great thing because the last thing I want from a gig is a band to go through the motions and regurgitate the songs note for note. The new songs they played were OK – nothing special – but fun none the less.

The new MC who has taken over from Tiki Tanae has big shoes to fill. Tiki was with Salmonella Dub for 11 years and it was during those formative years they honed their sound, now that they have a new MC they have taken on a new directions. I always think it is good thing when bands evolve and try new things whether it works is another thing, but bands have to take these chances to know what works and what doesn’t; but I for one am looking forward to hearing the new chapter in Salmonella Dub’s career.