Zion Train

Zion Train are a British dub ensemble formed in Oxford in 1988, best known for blending roots reggae with electronic dance music at a time when the two scenes were largely separate. Co-founded by Neil Perch—an autodidact producer with a background in biochemistry—and Ben Hamilton, the group began as a sound system before relocating to London in 1990. Early members included Colin Cod and Dave Tench, with vocalist Molara joining in 1992. The group quickly gained attention in the early 1990s with 7-inch singles Power One and Power Two, followed by the influential Follow Like Wolves, which fused dub with acid house and established Zion Train as innovators. Their 1994 album Natural Wonders of the World in Dub reached the UK indie charts, and the band became known for prolific releases, remixes, and collaborations with artists such as The Shamen and Afro Celt Sound System. Much of their early work was released on their own label, Universal Egg, with a brief period signed to China Records. By the early 2000s, internal changes led Neil Perch to continue Zion Train with a largely new lineup featuring long-term collaborators and international musicians. Albums such as Original Sounds of the Zion (2002) and Live As One (2007) reinforced their reputation, with the latter winning a Jamaican Reggae Grammy for Best Dub Recording. Alongside their musical output, Zion Train have remained politically engaged, contributing to anti-racism projects such as the Music Against Racism campaign, and they continue to record and tour to the present day.