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DETAILS:
Label: Collision - cause of chapter 3 ( an echo beach division)
Title: Overproof Soundsystem - Pull it Up
Artist: Overproof Soundsystem
Format: CD 18 tracks
Playtime: 72:35 minutes
Catalogue: CCT3026
Release date: 07/2012
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THE LOW DOWN:
Overproof Sound System started its life in 2000 as a monthly reggae night called "Overproof" held at the Medicine bar in
Birmingham, England. The night was started by Different Drummer's Richard Wittingham (Rockers Hi Fi) Adam Regan (Leftfoot)
and Birmingham's dub duo G.Corp.
Since the seventies, reggae music in Birmingham had become ghettoized, pushed out of city venues into illegal parties and split
into genres. With violence on the increase it was only the brave that would get to hear it. The "Overproof" night was
not only a way for those involved to escape the recording studio and party but a way of bringing reggae back to
the masses. This was not a bashment or revives night. Not to be tied down to one genre the music policy
was anything reggae or reggae influenced. From old school sixty's cuts to modern Dub and remix's.
With its atmosphere of peace and good vibes and a reputation for a happy mixed crowd the night
soon grew often bringing together 1500 regulars for what have now become legendary parties. From the start,
the microphone and DJ'ing duties were shared by Ras-T-Weed (Rockers Hi Fi) and Juggla (Creation sound)
over time percussion was added in the form of The Mighty Magoo (Substance). Messenger Douglas later joined
Overproof in 2003, and has been part of Overproof ever since.
In 2001 a European promoter attended the club and so impressed with the good spirit and almost tribal quality of the party he invited
Overproof over to Europe, thus giving birth to the "Overproof sound system". The sound system has been
touring constantly now since 2001 and has become a solid core of five people Messenger Douglas,
Juggla, Mighty Magoo, Stallion (G.Corp.) and Jah Grizzly (G.Corp.).
Overproof have played along side most of there reggae heroes over the last 10 years, recording
their own music project, at the start of 2002, the now legendary "Watch what you put inna" EP, a
track which went on to be, and still is a club anthem around the world.
2003 saw Overproof take a break from touring and encamp in the "Elephant House", the celebrated headquarters
of Birmingham's Dub miesters G.Corp. Under the production eye of G.Corp, Overproof's first
album "Nothing to proove" was written and recorded. The album reflects the true spirit of both
the original club night and the sound systems live presence. Musical styles swing joyfully from
the studio one'ish "Get With It" through the blissful roots of " The Plea" to the cheeky dance hall
anthem "Long time". Kenijah Boothe son of reggae legend Ken Boothe takes on guest vocals on the
track" Live it up right".
In order to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the original club night Overproof
have once again returned to the Elephant House to record their second album "Pull it up" the album
includes vocals from the main crew messenger Douglas and Juggla and a guest appearance from one of the
originals Ras Tweed. One of the tracks, an acoustic version of "War must Cease" includes a unique
appearance by the 'Myspace Choir'. People from all over the world were invited to add their harmonies to what
has ended up as a beautiful protest against the act of War. As with the first album this is a collection of
styles bound together by a strong reggae influence, catchy melodies, heavy bass lines and conscious lyrics.
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