Lee “Scratch” Perry and Mouse On Mars – ‘Spatial, No Problem’ album review: Even posthumously, Perry remains unmatched
In the modern age, when an artist as prolific and beloved as Lee “Scratch” Perry kicks the bucket, there is an inevitable deluge of reissues, half-finished projects, and demo outtakes rushed out in an effort to capitalise on grieving audiences. It is a cynical practice, and one which went on for quite some time following Perry’s death in 2021.
The Skinny: Now, though, an album that promises to be the final record the Jamaican producer ever worked on has finally seen the light of day. During a three-day stint in Berlin back in 2019, Perry worked alongside local leftfield duo Mouse on Mars, and the newly released Spatial, No Problem is the product of that unlikely collaboration.
While it is easy to see Lee “Scratch” Perry’s name posthumously splashed across a record sleeve and assume exploitation of the producer’s image and reputation, this record is a faithful, exceedingly well-crafted project which does justice to Perry’s heritage, while also demonstrating the fact that his output remained as inventive and infectious as ever, right up until the end of his time on this mortal coil.
That fact is supported by the very nature of the LP; it wasn’t rushed out immediately after the reggae titan’s passing, nor was it left in its half-finished state as some kind of well-meaning but ultimately unlistenable tribute to Perry. Instead, Mouse on Mars have spent many moons moulding and shaping that three-day recording session into a captivating LP that simultaneously evokes the extensive history of Perry’s career and discography, as well as offering an entirely new take on his impact.
Through the abstract, experimental electronica that Mouse on Mars have amassed an audience for, the duo present the reggae icon in a new light; a particularly impressive feat, given just how many projects, albums, and collaborations the producer had been a part of during his life. Inevitably, too, the dub influences of the Berlin-based outfit are amplified tenfold by the unmistakable voice of Perry. On tracks like the epic ‘Spatialee’, too, the two artists experiment with off-beat jazz horns, Anatolian psych, and experimental folk, culminating in an album that feels constantly on the move.
It is fitting that the final album of Lee “Scratch” Perry is so genre-defying and experimental in its nature. During his glory days, after all, the Jamaican hero never stagnated for a moment. Whether he was blowing ganja smoke over his tapes, burning down his own studio, or experimenting with technologies that were positively space-age in 1970s Jamaica, any attempt to boil Perry’s work down to a singular sound would be needlessly diffuse.
Standout Track: ‘Spatialee’
The Verdict: Where this record triumphs is in reflecting the tireless creativity of Lee “Scratch” Perry, even towards the end of his life. Although it is arguable more of a Mouse on Mars record than a Perry album, its infectious innovation and expansive sonic repertoire are enough to lend itself to repeated listens, as well as preventing it from joining the landscape of cash-in posthumous releases.
Release Date: June 5th, 2026 | Producer: Lee “Scratch” Perry and Mouse on Mars | Label: Domino
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