| There's a common misconception that politics are dreary and pointless. Judging by the daily images of old, corrupt men bickering with each other that are force fed to the public, how could people not think that? However, if approached in the right way politics can be fascinating and fun. Look at Asian Dub Foundation. The British collective have been making politically charged anthems for over twelve years and are the polar opposite of boring. The group are a perfect example of how it's possible to educate, enlighten, and how can I put this eloquently, "fuck shit up", and still have a good time. |
 As the seven members of Asian Dub Foundation made their way on stage MC Spex screamed, "Yo, yo, yo Tokyo. Ready to jump? Ready for the Blowback?" On cue the sold-out audience began moving as one, bouncing along to the group's infectious beats. Showing that there's no such thing as "phoning it in" in the ADF camp, the guys played with as immense amount of passion and intensity. Giving their all from the moment "Blowback" began, to simply call their fiery, mind-blowing performance "energetic" wouldn't do it justice. |
African Head Charged paved the way for Asian Dub Foundation with an uplifting 45 minute set. Percussionist Bonjo I lead the sextet through a series of bass-heavy tracks that fused elements of reggae, dub, and rock with traditional African rhythms. Clad in a long white shirt, Bonjo I resembled a preacher at times as he raised his hands to the heavens and encouraged the crowd to dance along wildly with him. His talented bandmates provided a plethora of expansive and eclectic sounds to back up his positive messages. |
| Guitarist Chandrasonic introduced most of the night's songs with a short speech that included the title of the number in it. Prior to launching into "Tank", for instance, he said "The wheels of the tank keep turning round and round", as Ghetto Priest stepped forward to sing the same lines. Priest, Spex, and fellow MC Akhtar delivered the band's manifestos with remarkable skill. Meanwhile the blistering sonic assaults unleashed by Chandrasonic, DJ Pandit G, percussionist Cyber, and bassist Dr Das ensured that the club kept dancing and celebrating as part of this joyful rebellion. |
 Each track was executed perfectly. The entire set played out like one extended highlight reel. Although the group are very outspoken in their music, when playing live they choose to concentrate on entertaining and allowed powerful songs like "Oil" and "Take Back the Power" to speak for themselves. The lack of a running political commentary ensured that the upbeat, party atmosphere was maintained through out the performance. Like many similar-minded artists, Asian Dub Foundation realize that people are more likely to take notice of what you're saying if it's presented in a lively and interesting manner. Emma Goldman once proclaimed, "If I can't dance, it's not my revolution." Echoing her sentiments, several hundred people jumped around and shook their bodies to Asian Dub Foundation's musical revolution. Tonight they danced; tomorrow they'll work to change the world. |
 Chandransonic told the heavily-perspiring crowd that "Taa Deem" was for Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and recounted how he still remembered the first time that the band played it at Fuji Rock. The mere mention of the nation's premier music event elicited a huge roar of approval from attendees. Having recently been added to this year's edition of the festival, one can fully expect that their explosive hybrid of electronica, hip hop, rock, reggae, dub, and funk will send the masses into hysteria later this summer.  |
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report by shawn and photos by hiroqui |
| photos : Asian Dub Foundation | African Head Charge |
 mag files : Asian Dub Foundation 余韻覚めやらず : (05/04/15 @ Zepp Tokyo) : review by taiki,photo by izumikuma「世界」につながる音楽 : (05/04/15 @ Zepp Tokyo) : review by nob,photo by izumikumaphoto report : (05/04/15 @ Zepp Tokyo) : photo by izumikuma前進、前進、また前進 : (05/04/10 @ Shibuya AX) : revuew by uko, photo by hiroquiADF・バージョン2005 : (05/04/10 @ Shibuya AX) : revuew by ryoji, photo by hiroquiSocially Aware And Ready To Party : (05/04/10 @ Shibuya AX) : revuew by shawn, photo by hiroquiphoto report : (05/04/10 @ Shibuya AX) : photo by hiroqui |
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The official site Asian Dub Foundation http://www.asiandubfoundation.com/ The latest album  『TANK』 ( 国内盤 / UK import ) |
previous works
『Enemy of the Enemy』
( 国内盤 / [Canada Bonus CD] UK import / UK import ) 『Keep Bangin' On The Walls』 ( 国内盤 / UK import ) 『Frontline 1993-97 Rareities & Remixes』 ( 国内盤 / US import ) 『Community Music』 ( 国内盤 / UK import ) 『Rafi's Revenge』 ( 国内盤 / UK import / US import) 『Facts and Fictions』 ( 国内盤 / UK import ) check the albums? |
 2005Nice And Simple : Jimmy Eat World (4th Apr. @ Shibuya O-East)Nothing A Few Sweets Couldn't Fix : Lemon Jelly (29th Mar. @ Shibuya AX)Groove Is In The Heart : Tabla Kwaiesa (6th Mar. @ Yokohama Silk Road Buto-Kan)Interview : Constantly Evolving : 90 Day Men (13th Mar)It's Party Time! : The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, The Benevento/Russo Duo (28th Feb @ Shibuya Club Quattro)Weekly Service : The Chemical Brothers (12th Feb @ Shibuya AX)Tattoos and a Whole Lotta Hair : EXTREME THE DOJO Vol.12 feat. Every time I Die, As I Lay Dying and Shadows Fall (7th Feb @ Shibuya Club Quattro)Geography At Its Best : ISIS (5th Feb @ Shibuya Club Quattro)To The Extreme : The Shins (31st Jan @ Harajuku Astro Hall)CD review : "Panopticon" : Isis (27th Jan)Winter Be Damned : Ash (17th Jan @ Shibuya AX)Interview : Peaceful, But Far From Quiet : Mono (20th Jan)CD review : "The Nein" : The Nein (13th Jan)2004CD review : "Christmas" : Old Man Gloom (28th Dec)Music Soothes the Savage Beast
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