Under Attack Riddim – Arrows Records

Arrows Records was deep in its early-2000s run when it cut Under Attack, a 2002 one-riddim set produced by Phillip Linton that leans on sturdy roots reggae rather than anything flashy. The nicest moments come from the vocal pairings: Anthony Cruz sounds especially direct on “When Are You Coming Home, ” while Glen Washington’s “What A Woe” has that warm, plaintive edge he’s always carried well. Frankie Paul keeps things soulful on “Baby You Are Mine, ” and George Nooks’ “It’s Over” sits right in his comfort zone, all calm authority and heartbreak. Da’Ville, Djahna and Lukie D fill out the eight-cut lineup, with an instrumental version closing it out. It’s the sort of 2002 project that feels made for sound system play and patient listening.