“I’m like a burning fire…” W/ The Artists is a Saturday night / Sunday morning classic. Having mastered (see also: invented) minimal and dub techno as Maurizio, Basic Channel and a slew of other guises, Moritz Von Oswald and Mark Ernestus booted up their Rhythm & Sound alias for a full-length foray into vibey and unhurried dub reggae. W/ The Artists collects A-sides from eight 10-inch singles released on their Burial mix imprint between 2001 and 2004 (The Versions collects the B-sides…), featuring a who’s who of Bullwackies-adjacent vocalists: Cornell Campbell, The Chosen Brothers, Jennifer Lara, Jah Batta, one half of The Love Joys, honorary third member Paul St. Hilaire aka Tikiman and more. Safe to say this is some of the deepest, most potent, immaculately produced reggae music ever cut to wax; an absolute essential. Flawless from start to finish but “King In My Empire,” “Making History,” “Best Friend” and “Jah Rule” will give you goosebumps. Recommended.

• black vinyl pressing
• music label: Burial Mix 2014

reviewed by Isosceles Kramer 04/2019