Zion Train + Transglobal Underground Soundsystem
The Castle and Falcon, Birmingham.
Zion Train
Zion Train will be appearing as a full four-piece band.
Zion Train are a British dub reggae ensemble. Initially formed in Oxford as a sound system in 1988 by Neil Perch and Ben Hamilton. Colin Cod and Dave Tench joined in 1990 upon relocation to London. The original line-up was added to with vocalist Molara in 1992.
Their initial releases were the 7" singles Power One and Power Two, which became hits on the dub scene in the early 1990s. In 1992 they released the ground breaking Follow Like Wolves single, which fused Dub and Acid House styles and spawned their reputation as innovators.
Their second full album,Natural Wonders Of The World In Dub, hit the UK indie charts in 1994 and was followed by several small-issue EPs. Additionally, they worked on remixes for the Shamen, Afro Celt Sound System, Loop Guru, Kava Kava and others.
They released both vinyl and CD material on their own label,Universal Egg, until 1995, when they signed with China Records. They returned to their own label in 1999. Much of their back catalogue was reissued in 2004.
In the 21st century the band have released a Jamaican Grammy winning album Live As One(Universal Egg 2007) , alongside several other albums and remix albums – the latest of which is the 2021 released Illuminate In Dub.
Zion Train have always prided themselves on working in autonomous, politically active environments alongside agitators and activists attempting to put the energy of their music to the best possible uses.
In their lifetime Zion Train Have played well over 3000 shows Including Woodstock (Poland), Madasound (Martinique), Fusion Festival (Germany), Sierra Nevada World Music Festival (USA), Rototom Sunsplash (Italy/Spain), Outlook (Croatia), Boomtown (UK), Glastonbury Festival (UK) 15 TIMES, Seasplash Festival (Croatia), Bababoom Festival (Italy), Wickerman Festival (UK), Reggae Geel (Belgium), Universo Parallelo (Brazil), Reggae Sun Ska (France), Ostrada Reggae Festival (Poland), Asigiri Jam (Japan), Woodstock Festival (Poland), Sziget (Hungary), Exit (Serbia), Bielawa (Poland), Solipse (Zambia), Universo Parallelo (Brazil), Island Vibes and Rainbow Serpent (Australia)
Zion Train own and operate their Abassi Sound System.
Transglobal Underground had to happen. They refused to accept that dance music had to be four to the floor house. They refused to accept that something called ‘World Music’ ever existed. They’ve slowed down hip-hop and sped up dub. They’ve sang in whatever language they felt like singing in. They were DJs but they play live. Their influence is all over the place, those who were influenced most not knowing who they are, those who were influenced least convinced they’re superstars.
To even try to explain what Transglobal Underground still is, we have to go back to the early nineties , when drum and bass were two separate things and trip hop was something you did on a paving stone. It’s a long time ago, many brain cells have been lost since and, in any case, it’s often been uncertain as to who Transglobal Underground were from one day to the next. Names were changed at will, members came and went and often came back again...
This event is for 14 and over - No refunds will be issued for under 14s.
More information about Zion Train + Transglobal Underground Soundsystem tickets
Zion Train + Transglobal Underground Soundsystem The Seventh Wave presents... as part of The Seventh Wave Festival of Electronic Music: Number 14 Zion Train + Transglobal Underground Soundsystem Saturday 01 March 2025 Doors 7.00 pm. Curfew 11.00 pm. The Castle & Falcon, 402 Moseley Road, Birmingham B12 9AT.