This compendium of meticulously-crafted reggae and dub tracks came as a pleasant surprise. Obviously a product of 21C technology (clean, full-range, dynamic sonics), this album manifests itself as though one of those legendary Kingstonian producers had tweaked an archaic mixing desk down at Drummilie Avenue, one channel selected for vocalizing from a gaggle of likely suspects. Overall, an impressive release that easily compares with any roots reggae produced in the past decade. Based upon this positive evidence, punters might also consider Mr Dubmatix' latest effort, 'Renegade Rocker'.

I've listen "rough times" on a french radio and bought it here..what a strike! I've really appreciated every single piece of this album. Really well played. I would suggest it even to the non raggae-addict.

DUBMATIX **** Atomic Subsonic (7 Arts / Fusion III) Toronto's Dubmatix is a leading light in the world of contemporary dub. Not only has King listened to and learned from the masters like King Tubby, he creates music that is authentic, respectful and adventurous. Champion Sound Clash (2004) brought Dubmatix to the global stage; Atomic Subsonic proves he deserves to be there. More deeply roots-informed that its predecessor, Atomic Subsonic sees Dubmatix working with a number of vocalists, Freddie McGregor, Howie Smart and our own soulful sensation Treson among them. This trio contributes to some of the album's strongest and most conscious selections: "Senseless Killing Dub," "Rough Times" and the awesome "Dirt, Dust & Sand." King comes rougher with "Who A Di Boss Dub" (featuring Anthony B), and album closer "My Selecta, " the most overtly electronic of the bunch. Throughout, Dubmatix rubs the dub right. Denise Benson - Eye Weekly Toronto, CKLN FM

It’s no surprise Dubmatix’s second release builds on his first. Champion Soundclash featured modern dub styles at a variety of tempos, evoking all eras of dub from the mid-’70s onward. After having licensed it in Europe, this second album benefits from the visibility generated by that move. On the whole, Dubmatix’s sound has gotten much roots-ier. Certain tracks such as “Skankin and Rockin” are of a mid-’70s vintage, quite slow by modern dub standards, but ringing true nonetheless, while “Warning” sounds closer to his first disc. Special guest stars are definitive roots singer Freddie McGregor and newer generation conscious vocalist Anthony B, whose energetic flow enlivens “Who a De Boss”; having A-level vocalists Dubmatix treatments takes them to a higher level. Canadian talent is well represented with vocalists Treson, Kwabena Reuben and Raffa Dean heading the class, and Isax provides vital melodic invention on horn. Dubmatix’s beat constructions, although fewer in number, are better focused than his debut. “Champion Sound” and “My Selecta” have great remix potential, both riding break beats. I still think the best is yet to come from the very talented Dubmatix, but this is fine work.