The Zip Project Riddim – Holy House Productions

Holy House Productions’ The Zip Project Riddim lands in that tidy early-2010 reggae lane where the groove stays warm and melodic, but there’s enough bounce in the drum pattern to keep it moving. It’s a compact seven-track set, and the best thing about it is how the singers lean into different moods without breaking the flow: Orlando Octave’s “Hustle” has a sharper edge, while Terry Lyons’ “Make Love” rides the riddim with a softer, more romantic touch. Kerry John’s “Can’T Break Us” also brings a determined, rootsy feel that sits nicely against the instrumental. Released in 2010, it feels like one of those small-clip local productions that catch a good pocket and let the artists do the talking.