Before Zero Records continues its vocal, version & word sound collection series with “Charges”, a standout recording from Vaughn Benjamin, now pressed on 7-inch vinyl for the first time. Originally featured on the Polarities LP, the track arrives as a two-track studio single, pairing the vocal cut with a previously unreleased dub version.  This release is #4 in the Before Zero / Akae Beka 7” series, with 13 titles planned in total.

Produced by Vaughn Benjamin alongside Zion I Kings, with Tippy I Grade at the controls, “Charges” reflects Benjamin’s sharp lyrical focus on global economic systems and neo-colonial structures. The recording is driven by Lloyd “Junior” Richards on drums and David “JAH David” Goldfine on bass, forming a solid foundation for the message-heavy vocal.

The B-side dub version gives additional space to the atmospheric synth work of the late Andrew “Drew Keys” Stoch, reinforcing the release’s sound system orientation. As with earlier entries in the series, the pressing honours both vocal and version culture, while also addressing long-standing listener requests for dub mixes and printed lyrics.

The record is cut to wax by Lewis Hopkin at Star Delta and housed in artwork compiled from Ras Marcus’s original visuals created for various Vaughn Benjamin projects over the years, with full lyrics printed on the sleeve.

Alongside “Charges”, two additional Akae Beka releases will drop on the same date: “Imandment”, also backed with a dub version, and the 10-track VIJAN EP (Originally released in 2003 on CD only). More details on both releases will follow.

“Charges” is released on 16 January 2025 as a 7” vinyl, two-track single via Before Zero Records.