Digital, 28th January 2009
Originally starting out hosting dances with their own massive sound system, the Iration Steppas have been releasing tunes for over 15 years. Armed with an arsenal of CDs, a mic and an effects unit, Mark Iration aka The Vanguard of Dub was in the role of selector while DJ Danman handled the majority of the rhyming.*
Ini Kamoze’s infinitely famous “Out in the Street They Call it Murder” sample hooked the crowd in instantly at the start of a set that took in the full development of reggae. Along with tracks from their recent “Inna Steppa Dub” album there were many other crowd-pleasing moments. Mark introduced what he hoped would be the new Doctor Who theme before selecting The Time Traveller’s “Who Dub” featuring the famous electronic lead line winding around a heavy bassline. Also influenced by sound systems and the dub movement the throbbing bassline of The Bug’s “Skeng” was a pleasure to hear over a club system. In an ending equally as impressive as the start Iration Steppaz left the crowd with a filthy remix of The Special’s “Ghost Town” a tune gleefully sung along to by the busy, skanking dance floor. Mark Iration, selector indeed.
Exel & MC Sandman took to the stage to play out the rest of the night with the latest and heaviest in dubstep. Having been gigging for a couple of years the two work well together, with Exel expertly cutting the tracks to fit around the lyrics. Aside from being able to rhyme a good MC should also know when to hang back and let a tune come through. Thankfully this is something Sandman is fully aware of, making for a tight show. Check them yourselves on their forthcoming “Code of the Rode Runner” release.
A couple of events in, and the Brighton arm of Deviate has well and truly made its mark on the calendar. With an impressive and varied range of artists booked at previous events it looks like we can look forward to a good few more dances courtesy of the Deviate lads.
* Differing from the commonly used hip-hop terms in Dub a DJ (or Deejay) is actually the MC while the turntablist is referred to as the ‘Selector’. Events or nights are also referred to as ‘Dances’
Words by Chris Leggett
Photography by Rob Rowland
