Various – Fat Dread Riddim

The project brings together an international line-up. Dreadsquad and Butcher Jungle Drummer represent Poland, Fat Frog comes in from the UK, while Ras Jahshua, Marcus I and Iko Box add their talents from Mexico, Spain and France. That’s five countries involved in one production, yet Fat Dread Riddim never feels scattered or overloaded. Everything serves the riddim.

The five-track release includes two vocal cuts, two dub versions and the instrumental. Marcus I opens the vocal side with Ram Down, a strong conscious tune that reflects on the temporary nature of human power, lies and pride. Its message may not be subtle, but that’s part of its strength. Marcus I delivers the lyrics with conviction, reminding us that truth, nature and love will outlast the structures built on greed and deception. Ras Jahshua takes a more direct approach on Troubles. His target is corrupt politicians, portrayed as vampires feeding on the very people they’re supposed to represent. Again, the message comes through clearly, and in today’s world, it’s hard not to feel the frustration behind the lyrics.

At the heart of the release are Polish producer Marek Bogdanski, better known as Dreadsquad, and UK producer Mat Sterling, aka Fat Frog. Rather than going for a straight one-drop, they give the riddim a driving steppers-style drum pattern that pushes the tune forward from beginning to end. The roots foundation remains solid, but the extra movement gives the production a more dynamic feel and makes it particularly well suited to sound system sessions.

Most of the music was recorded at Superfly Studio in Lódz, Poland. Butcher Jungle Drummer handles the drums with steady precision, while Bogdanski takes care of the bass, rhythm guitar, piano, Hammond organ and percussion. Iko Box adds lead guitar, bringing another layer of colour to the riddim and some tasteful echoes of classic Jamaican productions.

What makes Fat Dread Riddim work so well is that it doesn’t try too hard to modernise or reinvent roots reggae. The producers clearly understand the music they’re working with. They take the classic roots sound, add a stronger steppers pulse and let the musicians and vocalists do the rest.

Fat Dread Riddim is a solid, well-played roots reggae production with a conscious message, a strong sound system drive and plenty of respect for the foundations. If this is an indication of what Voices From The Desert has in store, Dreadsquad’s upcoming album is definitely one to keep an ear out for.