No Pain Riddim – Various Artists

Bugle sets the tone on No Pain Riddim with “World Is A Mess, ” and that choice tells you plenty about the cut of this 2010 dancehall set before the other voices even come in. The four-track release keeps things compact, with Malijah and Fyakin pairing off on “Sincerely, ” Raine Seville bringing a sweeter edge on “This Thing Called Love, ” and Zenny alongside Mr. Myaz closing with “Cry No More. ” It’s a small lineup, but the mix moves from hard-edged social commentary into more tender, relationship-driven writing without losing the street-level pulse of the riddim. Bugle’s opener is the sharpest hook here, though, and it gives the whole project a darker, more reflective frame that hangs over the final duet.