Rob Garza and Eric Hilton aka Thievery Corporation are known for their modern take on traditional Jamaican dub-reggae, since the 90’s they have blurred the lines between genres in a downbeat fashion. Their latest release Saudade was less influenced by sounds of King Tubby and Prince Jammy than their usual output, but they have never confined themselves to just one style. This project marks a return to their roots, recorded in the motherland itself with a number of Jamaican artists.
The Temple Of I and I was released in February and is predominantly a dub project but that has not left them without room for some hip hop, some electronic experimentation and plenty of chilled out half time goodness. Ghetto Matrix for example is an exquisitely produced 90’s hip hop track not dissimilar to DJ Premier, with a Nas influenced vocal from Mr. Lif to match. Fight To Survive is along the same lines but not as strong, with a more contemporary sound palette; this time the vocal is closer to those of Q-Tip resulting in an awkward finish.
Where this album shines is undoubtedly during the rootsy, sound system friendly dub cuts. It opens in true 70’s fashion with a deep voice with a thick Jamaican accent, speaking about Rastafari before echoing into just the bass and drum tracks. More classic touches such as organs with heavy delay automation join in to decorate the foundation, before more atmospheric effects and melodies are added Thief Rockers is almost ruined by Zee’s unconvincing vocals. Strike The Root is a much more successful paring, Notch sounds as good as Sizzla or Richie Spice over a much more energetic reggae accompaniment. It comes across like a live band performance, with each element in this instant classic being so carefully thought out. From the guitar chops to the subtle keyboard bubbles and bold drum fills, it guides the way for an immense horn section to top it off. Notch appears again on the more hazy Weapons Of Distraction and the Trojan inspired Drop Your Guns. Babylon Falling features Puma and is everything that a reggae track should be, conscious lyrics, a big bass line and a chorus that is particularly well sung.
Thievery Corporation are known for their taken on traditional Jamaican dub-reggae
As per usual though these two are not just a one or two trick pony, they have created some of the world’s biggest and best chill out tracks over the years and once again this album hosts some more smokey jams. Time + Space feat Lou Lou Ghelichkhani came as a nice surprise and offers some much needed contrast in the middle of the album. Her restrained vocals are sung in french at times, which only adds to the tracks psychedelic nature; guitar effects and dub-techno chords only reinforce the liquidity. Love Has No Heart feat. Shana Halligan and Lose To Find feat Elin Melgarejo are equally as smooth, quietly confident songwriting and rather timid vocals from both performers are a welcome match to their trip-hop influenced backing.
Possibly the album’s finest moment comes towards the end, Raquel Jones appears on Road Block channeling inspiration from Sister Nancy and even possibly Rihanna. The riddim itself is moodier, the horn sections meaner and after the dub siren fades Raquel takes centre stage. With a dancehall inspired delivery compared to most of the classic ragga chanting we have heard so far it really stands out, Thievery Corporation are totally in their element here. With 15 tracks in total this is one of the year’s most consistent releases so far, not just in terms of reggae releases. They sound totally comfortable with their style but have not been afraid to experiment a little, in this case it appears to be just the right amount. The Temple Of I + I has something for everybody, and similarly to Bonobo or Quantic there is no doubt that this will become a favourite for dinner parties, cafe playlists and long car journeys. It is rare to hear an album that works from start to finish, and even if there are some slight hiccups along the way this release is pretty close. To hear it in all of its glory come and visit your local Richer Sounds to check it out in one of our demo rooms!
