Puerto Rican-born musician Pachyman (Pachy Garcia) produces a smooth, tuneful update of vintage dub reggae faithful to the works of Scientist and King Tubby, but with its own flavor. His fourth album, Switched-On, channels the sweetness of lovers rock, and additionally incorporates vintage synthesizers, resulting in a vivid hybrid of ear-catching sounds and uplifting melodies. "Nua!" is filled with bleeps and squiggles that sound similar to old-school arcade games. Garcia adds his own Spanish-language vocals to several songs, such as the relaxed "Sale el Sol," the slightly darker "Toyota Nuevo," and the more anthemic "Trago Coqueto," bringing to mind Manu Chao. "Goldline" is a sublime blend of upbeat rhythms, stirring melodies, and shape-shifting effects. "Organ Roller" and "Switched-On" appropriately feature some of the album's brightest organ melodies. The brief "Mi Sala" is a graceful synth instrumental that could've been created by Mort Garson half a century earlier. Finally, "You Looked at Me" has a longing vocal hook that instantly sounds familiar. Pachyman's highly unique synth-heavy spin on dub is a winner. - Paul Simpson
| A1 | Lovers |
| A2 | Nua! |
| A3 | Sale El Sol |
| A4 | Toyota Nuevo |
| A5 | Goldline |
| B1 | Trago Coqueto |
| B2 | Organ Roller |
| B3 | Switched-On |
| B4 | Mi Sala |
| B5 | You Looked At Me |
