06 May 2011 | 12:16 PM
Dub is a Weapon - 'Vaporized'

Dub, the Jamaican club dance grooves usually crafted from recorded backing tracks, has always been a creature of the studio, crafted by such legends as Lee “Scratch” Perry and ’60s era King Tubby. But guitarist and group leader Dave Hahn proves the club beats can be effectively created by a full band as opposed to tape loops, turntable scratchings and basic rhythm tracks.

Recorded in Syracuse, N.Y., “Vaporized” finds Hahn’s guitar leads and Brian Jackson’s keyboard noodlings pushed by the unrelenting hypnotic grooves of percussionist Larry McDonald, drummer Madhu Siddappa, “riddim” guitarist Ben Rogerson and bassist Dan Jeselsohn. The four lay down rhythms not only swaying in reggae but dancing in ska, funk and Afrobeat, with occasional Latin and Middle Eastern touches.

Dub Is a Weapon may not bring about universal peace, but if folks are busy dancing, who has time for war?

– Eric Feber, The Pilot

Tracks to download “Asheville,” “Curva Peligrosa”

In concert 9 p.m. May 13 at The Jewish Mother Backstage, 320 Granby St., Norfolk. $8 advance, $10 at the door. (757) 622-5915.