Beach Front Riddim – Various Artists

At Head Concussion’s 2010 Beach Front Riddim session, Tarik “Russian” Johnston lines up a short four-track set that keeps the focus on the groove rather than the guest list. The cut has that clean early-2010 dancehall-reggae feel: bright synth accents over a tight drum pattern, with the bass kept firm and a little rubbery underneath. Mystah Perry’s “Trop Loin Mwen” brings the most bite, while Swe’s “So Kind” and Yadhe’s “You Know Me” lean smoother and more melodic, and Zi Mc’s “Ma Lady” closes things out on a lighter, more laid-back note. The instrumental was issued on 20 April 2010, and the whole thing runs just under half an hour, which suits a riddim built for quick jugglin’ and a steady, mid-tempo pulse.