Pretty Look Riddim – Newbrandmusic

A warm, mid-tempo roots cut with a little swing in the drum pattern seems to be the lane on Pretty Look Riddim, with Newbrandmusic threading together a nine-track set that keeps its focus on singer-heavy reggae rather than anything too flashy. Luciano’s “Live By De Gundie By De Gun” and Lutan Fyah’s “Ignite And Blaze” bring the strongest conscious lift, while Gyptian’s “Every Man” and Anthony Malvo’s “Never Leave You Lonely” lean the set into smoother, more melodic territory. Exco Levi and Daville add some sharp edge in the middle, and the whole thing sits comfortably alongside the kind of vocal-rooted productions Newbrandmusic was putting out in that 2008 stretch. It’s a clean snapshot of the label’s reggae side, with enough variety in the vocals to keep the riddim moving without losing its mellow pulse.