Gentleman’s Dub Club - Open Your Eyes

“Best f**king thing I’ve ever seen,” exclaimed a friend as we stumbled away from a Gentleman’s Dub Club festival set in a sweat and beer sodden state. We weren’t alone in our awe of the Leeds ten piece who are renowned for leading crowds astray with a unique blend of live ska horns and reggae bass lines combined with mischievous grime influenced lyrics. Something missing from the Gentleman’s package as it were is the ability to convert this infectious live energy into the studio, can latest EP ‘Open Your Eyes’ change that?

The syncopated piano line of opening track and lead single ‘High Grade’ (no points for guessing the lyrical content) is seduced by seemingly innocent subtle tones of Jonathan Scratchily before being immersed in a wave of percussion and swirling glitches. An infectious fusion rises and falls throughout the track, acting as a showreel for newcomers and a refresher in what they do best for seasoned fans. As a vague essence of menace oozes from deep within the bowls of the brass section the listener is coaxed away by the band’s infamous offbeat spell.

Deep repetitive bass line of ‘Tough At The Top’ capitalises on intrigue and spirals further down the path intoxicated grime as familiar influences are joined by a Scroobius Pip-esque vocals before bopping into the unmistakable flow of P Money. The ability to encompass so many styles while keeping a firm grip on their foundations and additive choruses displays a significant step for the band and almost excuses having so many people on stage.

Intense stabs of aggravated brass give way to a soothing glimpse of what Gentleman’s Dub Club do best with title track ‘Open Your Eyes’. Harmonious guitar licks coupled with lilting wisps of reverb heavy vocals encourage the imagination to picture a summer oasis where the band thrive. But the tranquility is short-lived as skank driven ‘Chronicles’ barges the pint out of your hand before you’ve had time to settle while ‘Run’ leads the set into the night with darkly ominous textures. Despite inviting a devious smirk the track feels a little flattened by the production, magnifying the band’s struggle to translate their live show with a glaring sense that you should be surrounded by a group of like minded fans to fully appreciate the album.

But just as your leading two-step leg dangles with anticipation, something bizarre happens. A series of remixes of ‘High Grade’ dispel the illusion cast by previous tracks. In their own right some of five reworkings by Ruckspin, Tymer and Vibronics bring a refreshing perspective on certain elements of the track but none of them lead the album in any exciting directions. This section of the release just feels uncomfortable at times, as if the band didn’t know what to do with the extra time they normally fill with solos and improvisations on stage.

However, with the festival season on the horizon the remainder of the album is an ideal mood setter. Pitch up, pour some beer on the bedroom floor, turn it up loud and hope you get to see Gentleman’s Dub Club in their natural habitat this summer.