Dancehall Loud Riddim – Avikon Records

Hard-edged and terse, Dancehall Loud Riddim comes off like a straight-up sound system exercise from Avikon Records, with the kind of raw, stripped-back energy that leaves plenty of room for the deejays to cut through. Released in October 2016 and clocking in at 14 cuts, the set keeps a tight, no-frills dancehall pulse while moving between tougher talk and more personal turns, from Avi’s “Badmind Heart” and Benks’ “A Nuh We Dat” to Brilli’s “Friends With Benefits. ” Damage SkongDem and Kardi Tival both get clean and raw versions on the listing, which gives the project a sharper, more radio-versus-road feel, but the heaviest punch lands with Delly Ranx on “Dem Finger Fiery, ” a cut that carries the riddim’s title energy in full. Munga’s “Sick Part” keeps that pressure on right through the end.