Disquietude Backbeat Soundsystem

It is always bittersweet when a band decides to close a chapter, but with "Disquietude," Backbeat Soundsystem leaves us with a truly fitting swansong. Since joining the Easy Star family, the UK outfit consistently pushed the boundaries of the modern reggae scene, blending deep bass and tight arrangements in a way that naturally complemented the sounds of labelmates like Gentlemen's Dub Club and The Skints. This final single captures exactly what made their run so special: a knack for pairing thoughtful, emotive songwriting with an undeniable, heavy-hitting groove that commands a sound system.

Though concise, this final offering feels complete, anchored by the rich title track and elevated by its accompanying "Disquietude Dub." The dub version highlights the band's production chops, stripping back the vocal layers to emphasize the spacious drum and bass foundations in a way that fans of the classic dub excursions from Easy Star mainstays like Ticklah or Victor Rice will immediately appreciate. It’s a great final bow from a group that always knew how to lock into the pocket, serving as a lasting testament to the vibrant energy they brought to our roster.