Salmonella Summer

If there is one form of popular music that could be called "indigenous" to New Zealand, it would be reggae and dub. It links closely to to our landscape and has played a strong role in the expression of (particularly Maori) political views over the past three decades.

For many of us, a kiwi summer wouldn't be complete without a road trip to a music festival, somewhere by a beach, with entertainment provided by any number of local reggae and dub acts. Sun, skank and shared substance.

Based in Kaikoura in the South Island, Salmonella Dub is one of our longer-serving dub outfits, riding the line between singalong reggae, electro dub and dance electronica. They've been remixed by Mad Professor and Adrian Sherwood. They are also possibly the loudest band I have ever heard, with basslines that are positively bowel-loosening.

Salmonella Dub - For the Love of It
From Killervision: Virgin 847608 [Buy]

Salmonella Dub - Longtime
From one drop east: Virgin 592471 [Buy]

Derek Bailey In Memoriam
I must also note the passing on Christmas Day of Derek Bailey, a key pioneer of improvised music in Europe, and one of the greatest innovators on guitar, ever. David Fenech offers a short appreciation, there's an excellent personal reaction on Rod's wordsandmusic blog, and John Fordham also writes an obituary in the Guardian.