Adelaide’s Isle Of Jura have moulded a second LP from the archived musical material of London, Brixton-based, duo Ambient Warrior. Ronnie Lion and Andreae Terrano recorded these previously unreleased pieces between 1995 and 1999, in Ronnie’s Lion Inc. Studio. The press one-sheet states that the pair set out to “create a borderless music”, one which reflected their own backgrounds and “a melting pot of influences like London itself.” In this respect they certainly succeeded. The gentle groove and wordless harmonies of Parisian Dub, for example, are part Brazilian samba, while its keyboard melody leans toward the Middle East.

While maybe not as immediate as its predecessor, there are some proper gems here that really shine upon repeated listen. Not so much dubs as carefully crafted instrumentals, much of it making soulful, and light, sort of lovers rock shapes. A lot of the tracks also have a Grace Jones / Compass Point All-Stars feel. That fusion of fluid reggae with more rigid new wave. Those tracks that put Andreae’s acoustic guitar centre stage, adding some very Balearic Spanish seasoning, are my personal favourites. Terrific tunes such as the strong, stepping Vibration Dub, and The Dub Lounge, which is a Mad Professor / Ariwa-like cool, mellow meditation. 

Ambient Warrior’s II is out now on Isle Of Jura.