Optimus Riddim – Optimus Productions

A bright, carnival-ready soca pulse runs through Optimus Riddim, with just enough electronic sheen to give the whole thing a slick, forward-leaning edge. Jesse John’s Optimus Productions keeps the arrangement tight and lively, and Benjai’s “Dance” feels like the track that really locks into that motion, all quick-footed energy and easy crowd pull. Sexy Trisha opens things with “Duh Stop Meh, ” Collis Duranty brings a sweeter turn on “Pave The Road With Love, ” and Asten Isaac closes the circle with “Lean, ” keeping the set compact and to the point. The riddim was first lined up in 2013, before later circulation in 2014, which makes this one feel like an early snapshot of the label’s Trinidad soca approach, almost like a small road anthem waiting for the truck.