True Riddim – House Of Leeds Productions

2013 was still a busy year for roots-minded reggae compilations, and True Riddim fits that moment with a clean, song-first approach from House of Leeds Productions. The cut has a warm, bassy stride rather than anything flashy, leaving room for the voices to do the heavy lifting, and that suits Duane Stephenson’s “In The City, ” Droop Lion’s “My Soul, ” and Lutan Fyah’s “Extortion” especially well. The set moves through lover’s rock, conscious commentary, and a little everyday romance without losing its shape, with Lenn Hammond and Tami Ann giving the sequence some extra colour near the back end. By the time it reaches “Country Girl, ” the riddim has settled into an easy, steady pocket that ties the whole 9-track package together.