Asian Dub Foundation just get tougher and tougher.
Having recently returned from a European tour, the Mercury Music Prize nominees demonstrate just how hot their weighty dub-fusion can get.
Deedar, the main man manages to jump as high as Pluto, getting the crowd going as he opens the set at 3am.
Now on their third album, Community Music, the bands long musical journey has gained them major respect in both the dance and rock music industry, not least from Primal Scream, who they share the bill with tonight.
Their political lyrics and campaigning for the likes of Ricky Reel and Satpal Ram have earned them honour amongst a frequently apathetic dance scene.
Deedar met his band mates, Chandrasonic and Dr Das, on a music technology course in 1993. The band describe themselves as 21st century MIDI warriors who came from a new generation perspective, which much emphasises cultural diversity. Inspired by the likes of Adrian Sherwood and his exquisite definition of dubology alongside hard ragga and jungle rhythms coupled with an MC5/Clash live energy, ADF have carved a sound so unique that even the States received them well on a recent tour with the Beastie Boys.
Their participation in breaking down the stereotypical images of Asian musicians has been recognised by the media, gaining them a BBC Award in 1998. They have also set up an independent organisation, ADFED, now semi-funded by the London Arts Board which, like Roni Size's Bristol based organisation, offers music and technology to young people in London (for more info go to www.asiandubfoundation.com).
Opening their set with the core members of their collective, five in total (including the aforementioned and DJ Pandit G and techno-boffin, Sun J) the crowd welcomed the guest drummers and rappers with delight.
Visuals came courtesy of Visionary Underground. A mosh pit developed with about a thousand people joining in at the front.
Playing the anthemic 'Free Satpal Ram' and 'Naxalite', alongside newer material, the band fired with such force you half expected the fairground rides at the rear of the hall to take-off.
If you haven't yet experienced the pleasure of ADF, then go see them, buy the album, get the T-shirts, but above all hear the message and please sign the petitions.
Kirsty Allison
