Zion Train

Formed in 1990, the UK's Zion Train have proved to be innovators in the revolutionary new wave of dub. While many other bands preferred a revivalist stance, the north London-based co-operative established an enviable reputation. The cross-cultural line-up consists of Molora (vocals/percussion), Neil (DJ/beats/bass), Colin C (melodica), Dave Hake (trumpet, also part of the Tassilli Players) and Chris Hetter (trombone). Influenced by Jah Shaka, Lee Perry and other dub masters, their dub/roots equation was first unveiled on the sequential singles "Power One" and "Power Two". As well as recording dub sounds, the collective also run the Universal Egg label, the Bass Odyssey club and their own sound system, produce their own magazine, The Wobbler, and released the first promotional dub video, Get Ready, and a CD-ROM to accompany Homegrown Fantasy, their debut release for China Records. One of their most effective and highly regarded works was the "Follow Like Wolves' single, a fertile cross between dub and house music, with samples drawn from the Specials' back-catalogue. In a departure from usual reggae practice, they subsequently instigated the (no copyright) Soundpool, allowing free sampling, and thus dispensing with the need for acquisitive lawyers. They have also worked with Junior Reid, Maxi Priest, Studio One veteran Devon Russell and the Dub Syndicate, as well as Indian tabla players and Brazilian drummers. In 1996, they ventured into ambient dub territory, performing with artists including the Shamen, New Model Army and Gary Clail, and instigated the re-formation of Ruts DC for a collaboration on a live session for BBC Radio. The release of Grow Together featured Dave Ruffy, the Ruts" drummer, and a revival of the band's 1979 hit "Babylon's Burning". That single was followed by "Rise", with which they achieved their first exposure on national daytime radio. Extensive touring and major festival appearances have secured the band international popularity. They later released "Stand Up And Fight", featuring Kate Cameron on lead vocals and a 19-minute soulful reggae remix. Love Revolutionaries, released on Universal Egg, marked the end of their major label career.