Monty Luke - Nightdubbing (2LP) [Rekids]

Following up the second part of Monty Luke’s ‘Nightdubbing’ series on Rekids, the Berlin-based American artist delivers an album of the same name on Radio Slave’s acclaimed Rekids imprint. ‘Nightdubbing’ encompasses the first two instalments and adds five further tracks of intricate sonic material, completing this magnificent body of work already supported by Fred P, nd_baumecker, Louise Chen and Laurent Garnier.
Luke’s ‘Nightdubbing’ album begins in the club, with the euphoric “40 Acres And A Terabyte” utilising the rich melodies of deep house alongside bone-crushing bass weight.
The title track follows, with “Nightdubbing” taking a more traditional house path, its calming sounds wrapping around the listener as it focuses on that sweet spot of reverb. Black Catalogue boss and former Planet-E manager, Monty Luke, effortlessly crafts a timeless ‘Nightdubbing’ effort traversing deep house and techno full of vibrant bass and experimental rhythms. Not surprisingly, then, the album is heavily inspired by 70s and mid-80s reggae dub, seeing Luke incorporate and modernise the genre's iconic rhythms, spoken-word poetry and spacious bursts of harmony throughout the LP. “Bob Molly” accelerates with nods to the Caribbean dem bow rhythms of old, Monty Luke filling the space between its infectious beat with wobbly percussion and reverberating plucks. Tracks like “Supernova”, “New World / Old Future” and “Starstorms” return to current club music traditions while “Future Mystic” and “Avant Garde Dance Hall”, again find a space between the dancefloor and sound system listening sessions.

Monty Luke spent ten formative years in Detroit, where the city’s unique musical spirit influenced him greatly. He has since distilled this experience into the music he has released on labels such as Rekids, Planet-E, Hypercolour, and his own Black Catalogue. His raw, dub-enveloped sound comes with plenty of futuristic designs, and this final complete iteration of “Nightdubbing” continues to push the boundaries of his music.