Fire River Riddim – Star Trail Records

Star Trail’s 2006 Fire River Riddim feels a little leaner than some of the label’s more meditative roots sessions, but it still carries that same serious, militant edge Richard “Bello” Bell liked to push through his productions. Buju Banton opens it with “Think It’s Over, ” while Capleton’s “Jah Bless Us” and Junior Kelly’s “Whip Dem Jah” keep the pulse urgent, and the whole set leans on a driving, mid-tempo stomp with enough space for the singers to chant their lines rather than crowd them. Chezidek’s “Give Praises” and Josey Wales’ “Rough Times” add two different shades of pressure and reflection, which gives the riddim a nice lift without softening the message. The release runs six cuts deep, with Izeezi’s “Poor Man Cry” filling out the tracklist.