Dread Locks Tree Riddim – Inity Records

Inity Records’ 2017 Dread Locks Tree Riddim sits in that sweet spot between roots discipline and a looser, almost psychedelic feel, with just five cuts and a small cast that keeps the whole thing tight. Timi Tanzania’s title tune sets the tone early, but the real lift comes from H. R. ’s “Sing From Within, ” where his spoken, meditative delivery rides the riddim with a veteran’s ease, while B Davis and Kaseaopia keep the pressure on with “Fire And Water” and “Waiting. ” The production has a warm, live-band feel, carried by Chuck Treece’s guitar and bass work and Jah D’s keys, drums, percussion, mixing and mastering, so the instrumental “Dread Locks Tree Riddim” doesn’t feel like an afterthought but the spine of the set. Released July 1, 2017, it runs five tracks in just over twenty-two minutes.