Murder Riddim – Black Moun Records

Miky Kila’s “Baby I Love You” feels like the entry point into Murder Riddim, but the real pull is how Black Moun Records keeps the whole 2011 set tight across a mix of French and Creole voices, from Chekito’s “La Zermi” to the duet swing of Davman and Asna on “Souffle La Vi A. ” The riddim has that lean, hard-edged dancehall snap that lets each artist cut through without crowding the groove, and you can hear it work especially well on the more devotional turn from Natanja’s “Give Thanks and Praises. ” Black Moun gives the project a slightly raw, local feel rather than polishing it into something glossy, which suits a compilation that also includes Headphone, Lewone and Terry Bibble. A sturdy little set, with 14 cuts and no wasted space.