New Broom Riddim (2014) – Mobys Records

Fresh-cut. Mobys Records’ 2014 New Broom Riddim keeps things lean with just three cuts, but that smaller frame leaves room for the songs to breathe: Kashu’s “Good In U, ” Magic Flute’s title tune, and Richie Innocent’s “Bossie” all ride the same reggae groove without crowding each other. The name feels apt, too, because this isn’t a sprawling showcase so much as a tidy little statement from the label, with the bassline carrying that clean, steady pulse and the vocals doing the rest of the work. Compared with Mobys’ other work, it comes across as more pared-back and less about volume, which suits the material. In the label’s catalogue, this sits neatly as one of those compact riddims that keeps the focus on the song rather than the packaging.