The last official Lee "Scratch" Perry album offers a surprise collaboration with Mouse on Mars. On paper, you can imagine how this would work. Upon listening, you're sort of surprised by just how much fun the music on Spatial, No Problem is.
"Rockcurry" opens things on one of the catchiest hooks of 2026, while "To the Rescue" leans more on ska forms. "Hallo Shiva" marries skittering guitars to Perry's toasting to create one of the record's simplest and most effective numbers. The polyrhythms of "Economic Train" make one think of side 2 of Combat Rock a little, though, admittedly Jones and Strummer and crew were likely taking cues from Lee "Scratch" Perry all the way back in 1982. The reggae and dub master's legacy is furthered by anything you play here as every track delights.
Recorded in 2019, one wonders why something this infectious and energetic didn't see release until 2026. While Mouse on Mars have been as prolific as always, the late Lee "Scratch" Perry was -- for a time -- even more so. Everything from a Dot Allison remix to this occupied the dub legend's later years. I'm glad that this is seeing the light of day as Spatial, No Problem is one of this month's most enjoyable listens.
Spatial, No Problem by Lee "Scratch" Perry and Mouse on Mars is out now via Domino.