Released 29 years ago this November
Calming of the Drunken Monkey
Salmonella Dub · 1997
63 min · 13 tracks · dub music
A vibrant blend of dub rhythms and eclectic samples creates an immersive soundscape that transports listeners into a world of sonic exploration.
Top tracks — play these first
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Conspiracy Dub — Opening the album with deep bass lines and intricate layers, this track sets the tone for the experimental nature of the record.
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Drunken Monkey — The title track encapsulates the playful yet complex production style of the band, featuring catchy hooks intertwined with rich dub elements.
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They're Among Us (Pitch Black remix) — This remix highlights the band's collaborative spirit while blending genres seamlessly, making it a standout piece that showcases their evolution.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases solid dub composition and craft, with distinct sounds but lacks a strong cohesive narrative.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of layered dub effects, with echo and reverb applied to various instrumental elements throughout.
- Each track typically maintains a steady groove, often repeating motifs that evolve gradually over time.
- Several tracks incorporate samples from diverse genres, blending them seamlessly into the dub framework.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- immersive sonic landscapes for relaxation
- vibrant rhythms for social gatherings
- patient grooves that encourage drifting
- dynamic mixes for headphone exploration
Maybe skip if you
- seeking immediate gratification
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Calming of the Drunken Monkey' was released in November 1997, Salmonella Dub had established themselves as key players in New Zealand's music scene, following their debut album 'Salmonella Dub' in 1996. This sophomore effort further solidified their unique sound, characterized by a fusion of reggae, dub, and electronic influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Thievery Corporation· The Orb· Dub Syndicate
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Loletta
The moment shifts from a light-hearted narrative to a contemplative reflection on relationships, contrasting upbeat instrumentation with introspective themes.
This juxtaposition illustrates the band's ability to blend fun with deeper emotional undertones, enhancing the overall listening experience.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Conspiracy Dub 6:27
- 2 Golden Locks 5:37
- 3 Primus 4:18
- 4 Col's Fish 4:36
- 5 Cycle 4:22
- 6 Drunken Monkey 3:23
- 7 Finklestein 4:21
- 8 Fence 2:31
- 9 Loletta 3:34
- 10 Jerky Dub 6:04
- 11 They're Among Us (Pitch Black remix) 9:34
- 12 Palava (live at the Powerstation, 31/5/97) 3:59
- 13 Suicidal Patterns (Rotor mix) 4:08
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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