French dub supergroup Zentone born from the creative fusion of Zenzile and High Tone continues to redefine the landscape of modern dub with their latest release, “Make You Cry.” Featured on their highly anticipated third album, Messenger, the song marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of the duo-turned-band, now fronted by the luminous Jolly Joseph, whose voice and lyricism breathe new soul into their sound.
What sets “Make You Cry” apart isn’t its melancholy title it’s the emotional precision behind it. The song doesn’t dwell in sorrow; instead, it channels pain into awakening. Zentone transform heartbreak into rhythm, layering live instrumentation with deep basslines, vintage echo chambers, and a melodic sensitivity that blurs the lines between reggae, roots, and spiritual dub. The result is both hypnotic and human a sonic mirror reflecting the bittersweet beauty of emotional honesty.
Recorded in live conditions and mixed at Bat Records, Messenger delivers an organic and powerful sound that feels alive. On “Make You Cry,” you hear the heartbeat of collaboration itself. Zenzile’s groove-driven bass meets High Tone’s experimental textures, creating a dialogue of rhythm and atmosphere. Meanwhile, Jolly Joseph’s voice a blend of vulnerability and confidence guides the listener through a journey of release and reflection. His lyrics aren’t grandiose; they are raw and intimate, striking a rare balance in dub between message and emotion.
Since their self-titled debut in 2006, Zentone has served as a meeting point between analog roots and digital innovation. “Make You Cry” continues that tradition, weaving together decades of dub history while embracing the global pulse of contemporary sound systems from Bristol to Kingston, Berlin to Paris. It’s music made for movement, but also for thought a soundtrack for both the dancefloor and the mind.
Zentone’s Messenger isn’t just an album it’s a statement of purpose. With “Make You Cry,” the collective reminds us that dub isn’t just about echo and bass; it’s about feeling, memory, and connection. As the reverb fades, what lingers is the essence of Zentone’s artistry: truth through sound, unity through rhythm, and the courage to make us feel deeply.