Zion Train

Zion Train emerged in 1990 as a multimedia acid-dub collective whose core lineup featured vocalist Molara alongside DJ/bassist Neil Perch, trumpeter David Tench, melodica player Colin Cod and trombonist Chris. The group first assembled in North London as a dub sound system. Their debut release, the limited-edition roots 7" single “Power One” on their self-run Zion Records imprint, sold out at once, while the follow-up “Power Two” became a staple at shaka dances across 1992. Teaming next with Studio One veteran Devon Russell, they reworked his cult favorite “Jah Holds the Key,” scoring their biggest success yet with widespread European airplay that paved the way for the debut album, the mellow dub set Passage to Indica.

While delivering remixes for the Shamen, Chumbawamba, Afro Celt Sound System, Junior Reid and Loop Guru, the collective put out the acid-house-flavored single “Follow Like Wolves.” Their next effort, Natural Wonders of the World in Dub, entered the Top 20 of the U.K. indie charts. In 1994 a run of limited-edition EPs created with Knights of the Occasional Table, Diatribe, Conscious and Trancemasters appeared and were later compiled on the Siren album. Early in 1995 the band signed to the China label, issuing the single “Get Ready” and, shortly afterward, the full-length Homegrown Fantasy. Following 1996’s Grow Together, they returned the next summer with the two-disc retrospective Single Minded and Alive, then delivered Love Revolutionaries in mid-2000.