Here’s a record that we have been keeping on heavy, heavy rotation as of late. Of course, we’re talking about the Lp Cuttings from the Waltham , Massachusetts based Flying Vipers. First and foremost, if you are a fan of 1970’s dub music, you’ll be thrilled because not only does this band sound like a box of their records washed ashore at your local record shop or brought in by a Jamaican granny who brought in her record collection for sale, but second of all because it’s so damn authentic you’ll not believe this was made in 2020. The Flying Vipers keep the heyday of Lee “Scratch” Perry and King Tubby alive (although Scratch will continue to be here until he is 120 I firmly believe, but that’s another story) by pushing and turning knobs, the real way. Not imported digital sounds, these are made with a man’s hand, like days at the Black Ark, high swirling ganja smoke and tape echo ringing out into the night. After following up 2015’s The Green Tape and 2016’s The Copper Tape, their own tried and true dub formula has brought them to collaborations with legend Johnnie Clarke and Black Flag’s Nervous Breakdown done in dub on its 40th Anniversary (aptly called Nervous Breakdub). Cuttings, released over the Summer and after their “Two Twenties Clash”single, has really grabbed hold of reggae and the music world in general as the Fall hits. The foursome of twins Marc and John Beaudette (Destroy Babylon, The Macrotones), as well as Zack Brine (Kings of Nuthin’. Pressure Cooker), and Jay Champay (10 Ft. Ganga Plant) have been dominating the New England reggae scene for decades and have for us, one of the top reggae records of the year. From start to finish, it’s a journey back to when dub reggae was king. When I met Scratch years ago, he grabbed my hand and wouldn’t let go. I thought to myself: “I’m touching reggae music.” When I hear Cuttings , I hear reggae music how it should be played, the right way. Listen to the dozen killer tracks below and order after the stream.

Get the record here from MADD x Jump Up Records.

Dig Deeper!