press release - Pure And Applied
BSI Records' flagship band Systemwide has been recognized by many as "the states' finest dub band" (SF Bay Guardian). Pure and Applied is the long-awaited full length follow-up to 1997's Sirius (produced in very limited quantities and sold out for years). Singles, EP's and compilation tracks have come and gone, but this is the album fans have been waiting for. No simple downtempo or reggae cutout, Systemwide is has an absolutely unique sound, approached by no other band that we know of.
They are a link from the past to the future, firmly planted in the punk/dub hybrid bands of the 70s and 80s - crews like The Slits, Gang of Four, the Pop Group and Creation Rebel. The band's devastating sound has been called "militant dub," dystopic dance music," and "genre dissolving." Press has come from all corners, including The Wire, XLR8R, All Music Guide and Spin.
The lineup is a deadly-tight combo of drums (Josh Skins), bass (Mondell), turntables, samplers (S-Dub), keyboards (e.t.) and vocals, melodica & percussion (Ezra).
With production by Josh Derry (aka Alter Echo, aka Sound Secretion), Allan Fisher (of Bucolic) and King Fader (of Dahlia), Pure and Applied captures Systemwide's live sound & energy to a degree that none of the band's previous releases has done. Two vocal appearances by Brooklyn's Dr. Israel round out a 13 track set, an even split between vocal tunes and instrumental tracks. The range of vibes & tempos is expansive, but always coherent and flowing - from heavy, heavy dub to laid back soul-clap funk to raucous breakbeat, drum &bass and 2 Step flavors, Pure and Applied captivates from the beginning and doesn't let go until the final fade.
release:Pure And Applied
label: BSI