Exercist Riddim – Krucial Konflict

Exercist hits with a taut, hard-edged dancehall pulse and a clutch of voices that know how to ride it. Krucial Konflict keeps the riddim lean and restless, and the best lane on here is probably the meeting point between Deva Bratt and Merciless on “Gallis Fi Life, ” where the cutthroat energy feels like the whole project in miniature. Determine’s “Yuh Own The Man” and Bobby Wonda’s “Caan Dis Mi Daddy” push the same stern, confrontational mood, while Reenie Krucial’s self-titled cut folds the producer’s own name right into the lineup. There are 15 tracks in all, including outings from Fire Rage, Toxic, Jah Rain and Askel 45, but it’s the tougher selections that leave the deepest mark, right down to the final couple of tunes.