Generally speaking, a record with the name J Boogie’s Dubtronic Science Soul Vibrations would be something I’d probably pass over in the record store, but I’m happy I gave this one a spin. With the weather here in Melbourne improving by the day, this record hit me at just the right time. A concoction of chilled, soulful tracks often peppered with a distinctive west coast flavour, Soul Vibrations is aptly described in the press release as “the perfect soundtrack for the summer”.

J Boogie keeps the production relaxed throughout the duration of Soul Vibrations: obvious nods to latin and dub, bongos, horns, smooth vocals, a touch of talkbox and an unmistakable sunshine vibe come together to create an album similar to Foreign Exchange’s seminal Connected.

Ohmega Watts & Ragen Fykes come together for my pick of the album 1.4.U, featuring some dope talkbox, horns, claps and sweet vocals. For Your Love featuring Zumbi (Zion I) and Rithma is one of the more uptempo joints, featuring the same David McCallum sample from Dre’s The Next Episode. The sample is flipped completely differently though, and makes for another highlight.

Those looking for true lyrical gems might wanna skip this one, but anyone looking for modern soul music will be right at home. Throw it on next time the sun shines and see where Soul Vibrations takes you.

J-Boogie’s Dubtronic Science - Soul Vibrations drops September 27 through Om / Stomp
More info at om-records.com