When I think of a dub-reggae cross over my mind can’t help but imagine an awkward Aswad cover  version of Beat International’s “Dub Be Good to Me”.  In reality, what you get is Zion Train’s ‘State of Mind’ – a melting pot of brass, bass and electronic beats.

Because of the very nature of the album – the unashamed mix of reggae, acoustic, dub and poetry- it can be a little hard to take on first listening. As anyone who is well versed in the art of making a mixed tape will know, a great album shouldn’t be a thrown together mix of tunes. It should feel like all the songs are tiny elements making a whole. ‘State of Mind’ feels like an experiment in replicating the live music experience... and not hitting the mark.

There’s no denying that Zion Train know to mix a track, and Tribute to Shura has been on a constant replay on my phone ever since its first listening for it’s sampling of the Stones’ Paint it Black alone. But it’s not an album that sits together well. It feels like a clunky, over-dubbed hodge podge of sounds. The blurb on the inside of their sleeve does little to explain their motivation, which is a shame because some of it was a pretty interesting musical history lesson.

One thing that can be said of Zion Train’s second album is that it takes you back to misspent summers of raving and dancing at festivals. ‘State of Mind’ is not for listening to on your own, it’s for blaring at full volume while you book tickets for Glastonbury.

Zion Train are touring in the UK until the end of October so don’t miss out on seeing them live because that’s where you’re going to get the most enjoyment out of their music.

‘State of Mind’ was released on 3rd October 2011.