Puerto Rican-born musician
Pachyman (
Pachy Garcia) produces a smooth, tuneful update of vintage dub reggae faithful to the works of
Scientist and
King Tubby, but with its own flavor. His fourth album,
Switched-On, channels the sweetness of lovers rock, and additionally incorporates vintage synthesizers, resulting in a vivid hybrid of ear-catching sounds and uplifting melodies. "Nua!" is filled with bleeps and squiggles that sound similar to old-school arcade games.
Garcia adds his own Spanish-language vocals to several songs, such as the relaxed "Sale el Sol," the slightly darker "Toyota Nuevo," and the more anthemic "Trago Coqueto," bringing to mind
Manu Chao. "Goldline" is a sublime blend of upbeat rhythms, stirring melodies, and shape-shifting effects. "Organ Roller" and "Switched-On" appropriately feature some of the album's brightest organ melodies. The brief "Mi Sala" is a graceful synth instrumental that could've been created by
Mort Garson half a century earlier. Finally, "You Looked at Me" has a longing vocal hook that instantly sounds familiar.
Pachyman's highly unique synth-heavy spin on dub is a winner. ~ Paul Simpson
![Legend [180 Gram Vinyl]](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0600753030523_p0_v2_s90x140.jpg "Legend [180 Gram Vinyl]")
![Exodus [LP]](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0602547276223_p0_v2_s90x140.jpg "Exodus [LP]")
![The Best of Bob Marley [ZYX]](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0090204704897_p0_v1_s90x140.jpg "The Best of Bob Marley [ZYX]")
![Long Shot [Translucent Magenta Vinyl]](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/8719262029231_p0_v1_s90x140.jpg "Long Shot [Translucent Magenta Vinyl]")
