Warm Up Riddim (2018) – The Germaicans

By 2018, reggae’s riddim culture was still leaning on sharp, compact multi-artist sets, and Warm Up Riddim fits right into that pocket with The Germaicans steering a five-track package that keeps the focus on songcraft rather than excess. Lukie D’s “Music For Your Soul” opens with the kind of smooth, uplifting touch he’s long done well, while Kalado’s “I’ll Be There” and Bobby Hustle’s “Run Road” add a tougher edge against a breezy, sunlit groove that stays light on its feet. The production has that clean European-reggae polish Germaica Digital has been known for, with a mid-tempo feel that leaves plenty of room for the vocals to breathe. Oriel closes the set with “Count Me In, ” and the release also includes the title cut, bringing the full tally to five tracks.