Hollie Cook
and producer
Ben Mckone
decided to make a dub version of the British reggae star's 2022 album
Happy Hour
while going through the mixing process of the record and finding more room to explore within the lush, detailed arrangements.
Happy Hour in Dub
sequences the versions in reverse order of the original album's track listing, as if
Hollie
and her co-producers are retracing their steps. Lyrically,
focused on themes of loneliness and self-care, creating a bittersweet dynamic when paired with music that otherwise seems fun and celebratory. While most of
Cook
's lyrics are dubbed out of these versions, there's still lingering feelings of hurt and disappointment, and a sense that she's attempting to drown out her sorrows. The line "love is a losing game" particularly sticks out during the dramatic "Unkind Dub," which is also filled with rushes of horns and shootout samples from old Westerns. Still, there's more upbeat tracks like "Dub My Way," highlighting "Move My Way"'s elastic bassline and garage-inspired rhythm, and adding a whirlpool of whooshing effects. Trombonist
Rosie Turton
gets a feature credit on "Golden Dub," a mysterious number with suspenseful strings, rich horns, and whispers hidden during the song's bridge.
Joshua Waters Rudge
from reggae-punks
the Skints
enthusiastically shouts out to
during "Kush Dub," a version of "Kush Kween" which keeps
Jah9
's original guest verse.
Kiko Bun
provides some fragmented words of assurance on the tearful, slightly frantic "Dubbing On," while both he and
seem to dissolve in heavy echo and tape rewind effects. "Happy Dub" takes it all back to the beginning, with
trying to erase her sadness at a beachside cantina.
arguably improves on the original album, expressing emotions that can be difficult to put into words, while also being a fascinating sonic trip. ~ Paul Simpson