Dub Inc - Atlas (Diversité)

Behind the title of this new Dub Inc album, we suspect a reference both to the Atlas Mountains (which stretch not only through Tunisia and Morocco but also Algeria, where Bouchkour's roots lie) and to the Titan Atlas, condemned by Zeus in Greek mythology to carry the weight of the heavens on his shoulders.

'Décibels' is one of those trademark Dub Inc energy bombs that we can already picture becoming a permanent fixture in their live sets. It also doubles as a tribute to their fans and the vibe of a live concert. Another banger in the same vein is 'Il Faut'.

On 'Drapaux', the focus shifts to identity and (misplaced) nationalism, while 'Comment Faire', built around Frédéric Payron's accordion, briefly takes a detour into cumbia territory.

The track list also features two combination tunes. 'Break The Silence', without a doubt one of the highlights on 'Atlas', is taken to the next level thanks to Kabaka Pyramid. With Marcus Gad, Dub Inc recorded 'Mémoires', but as his vocal timbre is closer to that of Bouchkour, his contribution is a little less noticeable.

We move into more digital territory with 'Motivé Comme Personne', before Dub Inc close the album with 'Étoile Filante' ("shooting star"), an intimate track in which Bouchkour is accompanied only by piano and which serves as an ode to his mother.

'Atlas' is already the fourth album for which Dub Inc have teamed up with Portuguese producer Guido Craveiro (known to some as DubXanne). It is also Craveiro who truly gets the final word, with a successful dub version of title track 'Atlas'.

Dub Inc once again opted for a piece of artwork for the album cover. This time it's a collage by Fabien Conut and Judith Chomel, two artists from Saint-Étienne, the band's hometown.

Dub Inc will present 'Atlas' live on Saturday 21 March at the Ancienne Belgique in Brussels!