Catching the Dub Bug

For dub disciples, the Bug is aural nirvana. On soon-to-be-released album London Zoo, haunting melodica clashes with sampled helicopter rotors over a deliberate, bassy rhythm. Slow, chanting vocals and Space Invader effects weave throughout the mix, while aggressive toasting contrasts with uptempo beats and ambient rinses. With elements of dub, garage, ragga, and breaks, London Zoo sounds like the history of U.K. electronic music rolled into one disc. This stands to reason, since Kevin Martin, aka the Bug, has contributed to that scene through such projects as Techno Animal, Razor X Productions, and King Midas Sound. He's also remixed songs for Thom Yorke, Grace Jones, and Einstürzende Neubauten.