Reggae Album Reviews

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

Mikey Spice: Are You Ready Album Review – Steve Topple for Pauzeradio.com. Reggae veteran Mikey Spice has been in the business around 35 years. But the legendary artist shows no signs of letting up, as he’s recently released yet another album. As it’s just so… ‘him’. Are You Ready, released via Pro Production Entertainment, is a deep dive into nostalgic Soul-based Reggae. The production is of a high quality, allowing the musical intricacies and Spice’s voice to take the fore. And both these elements, along with the composition, are thoroughly enjoyable. Mikey Spice Are You Ready opens with Everybody Needs

Judah Brownny & Heavy Waves: The Meeting Review – Steve Topple for Pauzeradio.com. Sometimes there’s nothing better than infectious, bass-driven Dub. But with a market currently saturated with Roots, Dancehall and Afrobeats – where to look for it? Well, you won’t go far wrong if you start with Judah Brownny and his latest release. The Meeting, released by Heavy Waves Music and with them also on the credits, is a deep delve into modern Dub territory. It’s an extremely well produced and engineered album from the off – with the right attention to detail on the dB and kHz to

Ginjah: Survival album review – Steve Topple for Pauzeradio.com. When an artist kicks off their third decade in the industry with a new album, they had better hope the end-product is something special. But there’s no concerns on that front for Ginjah, who’s latest release is truly magical. Ginjah Survival, released via Young Veterans and VPAL Music, is a deftly-handled journey into Soul-inspired Roots and Reggae. It’s an overly-vocal and lyric-led album, riddled with delicate musical intricacies and moments of delight. Production, from Young Veteran’s brothers Andrew and Sheldon Pennicott, is of course first rate. They also did the majority

Aruba Red: Shadow Work EP Review – Steve Topple for Pauzeradio.com. The resurgence and reinvention of Neo Soul within the Roots and Revival movements has been somewhat of an under-recognised, and misunderstood, phenomenon. So, it’s all the more exciting to come across a UK artist owning the genre as their own, without deviation. Enter Aruba Red. Aruba Red Shadow Work EP, released via Travelling Child, is the latest EP from this multitalented musician. It’s been publicised as a collection of songs about a journey to freedom in response to personal trauma. And Red has certainly poured her heart, soul and

Marcus Gad: Rhythm of Serenity Review – Steve Topple for Pauzeradio.com. Marcus Gad is still young by anyone’s standards. But he’s already notched up a fairly sizeable artistic career. And with his latest album out on 13th March, it seems that this thriving talent from New Caledonia isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Marcus Gad Rhythm of Serenity, released via Lustre Kings Productions and Baco Records, is a powerhouse of a record, both musically and thematically. The extremely potent production comes from Zion I Kings, most notably Andrew ‘Moon’ Bain. And this level of quality cements Rhythm of Serenity’s stellar status.

Various artists: Inner Terrestrial Riddim review – Steve Topple for Pauzeradio.com. 2020 has had a promising start for riddims, with cuts from the likes of Seani B and Bost & Bim showing that, with some real technical skill and a bit of magic, the art is still alive and kicking. And the latest release from D Rebell is kicking – and very much alive. Inner Terrestrial Riddim, released by D Rebell Productions, is a synth-heavy, post-modern Roots affair. The seven interpretations by different artists all come with their own merits. But the basic instrumental riddim itself is quite an interesting