The Lost World Riddim – Avikon Records

Avikon Records’ Lost World Riddim sits in that busy 2014 dancehall run where labels were still leaning on sharp, cut-to-the-bone jugglings, and this one keeps the focus on the voices: Pinchers opens with “Ticket To Ride, ” while Benks, Brilli, Kaii, Kardi Tivali, Lawgiver and Rich Ras all take a turn over the same pattern. The nicest stretch here is the way the rhythm lets the melodies breathe without losing its edge, with “Hotta Than Dem” and “World Boss Life” pushing the selector-side energy a little harder while Pinchers brings a more seasoned, melodic touch. Avikon keeps its name on the instrumental too, which gives the project that producer-led feel that was common in the period. The tracklist runs eight cuts deep, ending with the Lost World Riddim instrumental.