Native Riddim – Various Artists

A tight little 2010 set, the Native Riddim lines up four voices over a clean, rootsy backdrop and gets straight to the point with Anthony Cruz’s “Foolish Heart” and Lutan Fyah’s “Walls” leading the way. The other cuts, Mr Chumps’ “Hunting” and Teflon’s “Mama Mama, ” keep the same serious tone, with the vocals sitting right on top of a lean reggae groove rather than fighting for space. There’s no excess here, just a compact selection that hangs on the weight of the rhythm and the singers’ phrasing. The whole thing moves at a measured pace, with a steady bass pulse and stripped-back drums giving the riddim its dry, unhurried finish.