If one were to make the Steely Dan comparison, Dust and Dirt would be The Black Seeds’ Aja, as the album contains beautifully tempered and sweeping instrumental sections that are balanced by minimal, though deeply structured vocals, all brought together by an underlying of old school rhythm and blues, with a 1970’s vibe of horns that are combined with a bit of unexpected adventurous, slightly futuristic, grittier, dirtier, synth and percussions.Yet even as The Black Seeds move into this newer more refined form of expression, yet they still come off sounding like themselves … just somehow different. Perhaps it’s that they’ve ventured gently into the realm of psychedelia with their synths sounding misty and swirling, riding like intoxicating smoke. And while the vocals might sound muted to some, it’s this attribute that allows the music to shine with more resonance … though those who are into the vocals will surely see this as a shortcoming. That being said, the band is still deeply focused on their grooves, and therein lies the essence of the Steely Dan comparison, with the fact that the Dan took a giant step, nearly leaving their rock n’ roll roots behind in favor of the essence, distilling their sound in favor of a new musical vantage point. Which is just what the Black Seeds have done here.Without their bottom heavy bass, the Seeds come off more ethereal, with a more controlled, refined, and envisioned bounce; rather than the pseudo jams we’ve become accustomed to. This affords the band the opportunity to roam more freely, to more fully develop their fusion of ska, dub, blues, disco and funk. One of the most defining elements of Dust and Dirt is that it sounds relaxed, as if for once they have nothing to prove. Again, for some this may come across as unfocused and uneven, yet on a whole, the release moves quite nicely, flowering with an array of sounds, making it an album that’s easy to play for a second, or even third time in a row.Another aspect that encapsulates their psychedelic vision is that this is their first album that tugs you into discovering it late into the night, rather than at the beach, or afternoon outing, as it’s laced with deeper darker maneuvers, delivering an actual laid back atmosphere, rather than that of an afternoon chill … as the album nearly induces a collective feeling, where the taking in of the stars, the moon and the breeze while listening, are all equally important, meaning that while this may not be a sit down and listen adventure, where it takes you as a collective whole is even more interesting and rewarding.With the music being delivered and being experienced on several layers, layers that are insightful and compelling, and while no doubt the least reggae infused of their outings, Dust and Dirt brings so much more deliciously into play, coming across as a polished introspective nod, rather than a communal hands in the air bounce, laying down a sound that is more expansive, more romantic, and more visually unexpected.Review by Jenell Kesler