Following the first At The Controls compilation – which showed off Adrian Sherwood’s mastery in marrying dub and post-punk between 1979-85 – comes the second volume, which unearths some arguably lesser-known productions and remixes from the On-U Sound label head.

As with Volume 1, we hear Sherwood applying his scholarly love of dub techniques to the music of his contemporaries, but Volume 2 presents a more diverse bunch of tracks, ranging from EBM and jacking proto-house, to electro, cyberpunk and early hip-hop. Just as dub is a re-imagining of old source material, we hear this theme of recycling and recontextualising sound played out in the sample-heavy milieu of late 80s dance music.

An undercurrent of afrofuturism often surfaces, and many passages are reminiscent of Brian Eno and David Byrne’s 1981 album My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts (cited as direct inspiration for the African Head Charge project) but Sherwood’s explorations are motivated by passion and approached with respect. One of the many great moments on this compilation is Sherwood’s remix of The Unknown Cases’ track Masimbabele 89. We hear a thick dub bassline, chanted vocals and bongos through booming 80s production. It sounds huge, and it should be highly desirable material for any decent DJ.

Although many will perceive this compilation as “one for the heads”, Sherwood At The Controls Vol 2 is a varied offering that’s consistently exciting. It’s a heavyweight release, sure, but those willing to take it on will be certainly be rewarded.

Thomas Painter