# Young Warrior – Dub Box Review
Young Warrior emerged as a distinctive voice in contemporary reggae and dub music, bringing a fresh perspective to the genre while maintaining deep roots in its spiritual and cultural traditions. Their work represents a continuation of reggae's evolution as both a musical and philosophical movement, with particular emphasis on conscious lyricism and roots consciousness. The artist's commitment to reggae's foundational principles made them an ideal fit for Jah Shaka Music, one of the most respected independent labels in the dub reggae world.
Released in 2014 on Jah Shaka Music, the Dub Box album stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of dub reggae's experimental approach to production and arrangement. The label, known for championing authentic reggae sound and maintaining high production standards on vinyl, provided the perfect platform for Young Warrior's artistic vision. This release arrived during a period of renewed interest in reggae's deeper, more introspective expressions, making it particularly timely within the reggae community.
The album's structure follows a classic dub approach, pairing vocal tracks with their instrumental dub counterparts. Opening with "War In Kenya" and its dub remix, the album immediately establishes its thematic preoccupations with African consciousness and social awareness. This paired approach continues throughout the record, with tracks like "10 Steps To Africa" and "10 Steps To Dub" offering both lyrical content and extended instrumental explorations. The dub versions provide space for production techniques like echo, delay, and vocal isolation to shine, showcasing the artistry involved in reggae's remix culture.
"Subliminal" stands out as a particularly compelling moment on the record, with its mysterious atmosphere creating an introspective space for Young Warrior's vocal delivery. The corresponding dub version strips back layers to reveal the song's underlying riddims and rhythmic foundations. Side B introduces "Creation New Focus" and its dub, followed by "The Ark" and "Magnify," each exploring spiritual and conscious themes central to reggae's philosophical tradition. The album's closer, "Magnify The Dub," leaves listeners with an expansive, effects-laden conclusion that encapsulates the project's approach to sound design.
For vinyl collectors, particularly those invested in contemporary reggae and serious dub music, Dub Box represents genuine artistic substance released through a label with established credibility and sonic expertise. The pairing of vocal and dub versions on a single album offers excellent value and demonstrates Young Warrior's complete artistic vision.
