Dubkasm

Bristol by way of Brazil dub combo Dubkasm keelhaul their last album on this remix set. Really, what would you expect from a title called Transform I? It's a welcome effort ― unlike the meditative original album there's a lot more energy here, from steady steppers dub to electro samba rhythms ("Moses," remixed by Forsaken, is an album highlight). There are a number of Bristol-based producers on the remixes, such as Pinch and Perverelist. Given the city's traditional, open-minded, dubwise vibes, it's difficult to affix any genre to the variety of approaches taken. In general, vocals from the originals remain, so these aren't complete teardowns ― they are transformations. The pace ― so important to any remix album ― is well considered and interest never flags even though tempos rise and fall over the course of the set. Even the later tracks have some of the biggest impact, with the dubstep-ish remix of "Hail Jah" by Jakes and a dub disco-ish "Foundational Dub" by Headhunter keeping up a trippy, dancing mood right until the end.