May 2020

Lila Iké: The ExPerience EP Review – Steve Topple for Pauzeradio.com. Debut EPs can go one of two ways. Either they serve their purpose as a fully rounded introduction to an artist, or they actually undermine their credibility by being too much, too soon. But don’t worry. One of the most exciting talents in music’s debut offering fits into the former bracket perfectly. It is, of course, Lila Iké. Lila Iké The ExPerience, released via In.Digg.Nation Collective and RCA Records/Sony Music Entertainment, is nothing short of revelatory. Musically bang up-to-date yet fascinatingly inventive, expertly constructed and with Iké showing the

Iyah Vybz Muzik: Perilous Times Riddim Review – Steve Topple for Pauzeradio.com. Never has a title of a riddim been more apt for the time it will be released. Because Jah Rain’s latest project encapsulates the period of history we’re living through. And moreover, it’s an exquisite musical representation of it, too. Perilous Times Riddim, released via Iyah Vybz Muzik, sees Rain take full control of composition, production, mixing and mastering. It’s no mean feat as an artist to have this level of responsibility over a single track. Jah Rain is no ordinary artist – and he’s pulled it off

Dan Gio: Emotional Tide EP Review – Steve Topple for Pauzeradio.com. Royell Walker aka Dan Gio has been honing his craft for several years, now. But it appears he may have hit the pinnacle of his powers. As his new EP is, not to put too finer point on it, a revelation. Dan Gio Emotional Tide, released via Soulrock Collective, is a furious yet gentle, angry yet touching delve deep into human emotions and their intersections with the system. With all roles (composition, production, mixing and mastering) performed to a top-class level by Gio and his Soulrock Collective label, it’s

Giddimani Records: Angry Beast Riddim Review – Steve Topple for Pauzeradio.com. There’s a lot to be said for taking things back-to-basics with riddims. Authenticity, letting the artists’ messages speak for themselves and accessibility being factors. But there’s also a lot to be said about ones which are musically complex and intricately crafted. And Giddimani Records’ latest release is just that. Angry Beast Riddim, released via Giddimani Records and House of Riddim, is Perfect Giddimani at the peak of his writing and production powers. Credit must also go to Sam Gilly from House of Riddim Studios for the finely tuned mixing,

Oba Simba: The Arrival Album Review – Steve Topple for Pauzeradio.com. You’d be forgiven for thinking Oba Simba had a vast back catalogue, given he’s been in the music industry since the early 2000s. But in actual fact, he’s recently released what is only his second full length album. But fear not – the near-six-year wait was well worth it. Oba Simba The Arrival, released via Sunvibes Music and Leaguscam Music BMI, is another solid project from this up-and-coming record label. Its approach is, paradoxically, refreshingly old skool – as many of the riddims used on The Arrival have had