Review | Dubsetters – Showcase Volume 1

If you’ve been watching Finland’s reggae scene, you already know about Dubsetters out of Turku. They have been quietly but steadily building something special — blending that cool Nordic flavor with the deep, rootsy pulse of Jamaican reggae. Together with their label Dub & Sound International, they’ve been connecting Turku and Kingston through pure sound — no gimmicks, just solid dub and roots vibes.

Earlier in 2024, Dubsetters dropped a heavy 12″ vinyl on Dub & Sound International, featuring three versions of Digging The Vibes — a wicked collaboration with the legendary Jamaican trombonist Vin Gordon, aka Don D Junior. Just six months later, they followed up with Get On The Groove, another 12″ release with three new versions led by Gordon’s unmistakable brass magic.

Now, a year later, Dubsetters have stepped up with their debut album, Showcase Volume 1. It’s an 8-track instrumental album that tips its hat to the golden era of reggae and nods to the sound of Jackie Mittoo — think lush organs, rich riddims, and that classic late-’70s warmth. Each of the four instrumentals comes with its dub counterpart, all mixed by Al Breadwinner at the Bakery Studio in Manchester using proper analog gear.

Frontman Jaako Penttinen handles most of the instruments — bass, organ, piano, electric piano, and clavinet — backed by Mikey Shaw on drums and percussion, and Jesse Juup on guitars. Breadwinner seals it all with his trademark dub touch, giving the record that deep, lived-in sound that true reggae fans crave. If you love roots music with real heart, this one deserves a spot in your collection.