Alpine Rock Riddim – Germacia Austria Records

Alpine Rock Riddim comes in with a roots-rock feel that sits somewhere between uplift and grit, the kind of riddim Germaica Austria could only have pulled together from its Klagenfurt base, and the whole set leans into that “from the Alps” framing with a heavy, rolling pocket underneath the vocals. Chuck Fenda’s “Feel Dem Go Round We” sets the tone with veteran authority, while Zagga’s “Puff Puff Pass” and Darrio and Nuni’s “We Rise” give the project its most memorable turns, the latter riding the groove with a bright, determined push. Tom Hype and Markus Wutte handle the production, mix, guitars and master work here, and that hands-on approach keeps the six-track set tight, with Kenny Smyth’s “My Culture” closing out the vocal side before the instrumental rounds things off.