Vienna-based outfit Dubblestandart has sustained an intense creative pace since the early 1990s, shaping a singular approach to dub that weaves in psychedelia, alt-rock, electronic textures, and additional strains seldom associated with reggae. Across decades of activity the collective has joined forces with numerous key inspirations, recording alongside such global figures as dancehall queen Marcia Griffiths, Dennis Bovell, Adrian Sherwood, the Slits’ Ari Up, and further notables. Multiple sessions with dub icon Lee Perry yielded both the widely praised 2009 album Return from Planet Dub and 2021’s Deep Cuts from Planet Dub.
The group first assembled in Austria in 1987 around the founding quartet of Paul Zasky, Robbie Ost, Johnny Heilig, and Operator Marek. Initial recordings such as 1990’s The Stupified Eremit and 1996’s Vienna Dub Melange documented their ongoing sonic explorations, while frequent concerts sharpened their live presentation. Drummer Ali Tersch entered in 1993, followed by guitarist Herbert Pirker in 2001. Subsequent releases maintained an adventurous line, typified by 2004’s Heavy Heavy Monster Dub. Regular work as a touring backing unit for reggae acts across Europe also forged direct links with future partners including Dillinger and Lee Perry. Notable stage appearances spanned the 2009 SummerStage series in New York City’s Central Park, a 2013 date in Goa, India, and a 2017 show in Moscow. Between 2009 and 2017 Zasky supplied bass for Lee Perry’s American performances as a member of Subatomic Sound System, encompassing two Coachella sets in 2013.
High-profile alliances in reggae, dub, and dancehall grew routine, highlighted by Return from Planet Dub, which incorporated input from Perry, Ari Up, filmmaker David Lynch, and additional guests. U.K. dub specialist Adrian Sherwood helmed the 2014 album In Dub, while Marcia Griffiths contributed vocals to numerous tracks throughout the 2010s. Further partnerships involved Sly and Robbie, Ken Boothe, Mad Professor, Soul II Soul’s Caron Wheeler, and others. Entering the 2020s, Dubblestandart sustained a steady output that included 2020’s @ Repulse “Reggae Classics,” featuring Dennis Bovell, and 2021’s Deep Cuts from Planet Dub, which assembled previously unheard recordings made with Perry and appeared several months after his passing.
