Nuvo Riddim – Various Artists

Nuvo Riddim leans into bright, breezy soca energy, the kind that keeps the drums skipping while the bass still lands with enough weight to carry a dance. The 2012 four-track set keeps the focus tight: Laza Morgan opens with “Put It On (Bounce), ” B Roca follows with the more direct “Fling It Up, ” and Megan Walrond’s “Eyes On Me” brings a smoother, more melodic turn before Konshens closes things out with “Gal A Bubble (Kurt Riley Remix). ” That last cut gives the project its sharpest edge, with Kurt Riley’s remix treatment pushing Konshens’ voice into a tougher, more party-ready pocket than the others. It’s a compact riddim, but the mix of male and female vocals keeps it from feeling one-note, and the Konshens remake leaves the strongest aftertaste.