PANIXMEETS, LIONPULSE — Tell Dem Straight

Panixmeets & Lionpulse – Tell Dem Straight opens Firmly Rooted Records’ FR009 10-inch vinyl with a concise statement of reggae-dub aesthetics. Issued on 20 October 2023, the release arrives as a two-track 10-inch, positioning the duo’s collaboration within the label’s growing focus on deep, dub-inflected rhythms. Within Firmly Rooted’s recent output, Tell Dem Straight follows the earlier FR008 “Wicked Man Flex” – a collaboration with Ashanti Selah – and the FR004 “No Crime EP” by Breakfake, both from 2023. These releases illustrate the label’s commitment to a gritty, bass-heavy sound that bridges classic dub sensibilities with contemporary production, and the new EP continues that trajectory by foregrounding the interplay between original and dub mixes. Side A opens with “Original”, a track that anchors the record in a warm, mid-tempo groove characteristic of reggae-dub. The arrangement unfolds with a steady pulse that invites DJs to layer it into warm-up sets or to use it as a grounding element in a deeper, rhythm-centric set. Its structure provides ample space for mixing, allowing the track’s subtle shifts to be highlighted when paired with more kinetic selections. Flipping to side B, “Dub” offers a stripped-back reinterpretation that emphasizes echo and reverb, hallmarks of dub practice. The remix-style treatment reconfigures the rhythmic foundation, delivering a more spacious atmosphere suited to late-night moments on the dancefloor. Its emphasis on texture makes it a useful tool for DJs seeking to transition between tracks or to create a hypnotic bridge in a set. Both cuts together showcase a clear conceptual link: the original composition and its dub counterpart serve as complementary tools for the selector, providing a straightforward yet flexible framework for varied set constructions. The record’s brevity – just two tracks – underscores its purpose as a focused, functional piece within the broader dub discourse. From a collector’s perspective, Tell Dem Straight stands out as a succinct representation of Firmly Rooted’s 2023 direction, offering a tangible snapshot of the label’s exploration of reggae-dub forms. Its 10-inch format appeals to vinyl enthusiasts who value the tactile experience of a smaller, more intimate record, while the two-track layout makes it an efficient addition for DJs who prioritize utility and depth over length. The 10-inch vinyl presentation aligns with the label’s aesthetic of delivering music in formats that encourage active listening and hands-on manipulation. The record’s physical dimensions reinforce its role as a purposeful, DJ-oriented release without relying on extraneous marketing qualifiers. Panixmeets & Lionpulse – Tell Dem Straight, Firmly Rooted Records, FR009, 10-inch vinyl, 2 tracks. Tracklist: A1. Panixmeets & Lionpulse – Original B1. Panixmeets & Lionpulse – Dub