The producer responsible for the massive Diwali riddim --
Steven "Lenky" Marsden -- returns with the
Dream Weaver riddim. It's not the
Gary Wright-sampling track you would have hoped for, but a slight variation on the hypnotic stomp of Diwali with about three-quarters the allure. To be fair Diwali -- which was adapted for
Lumidee's big urban hit "Never Leave You (Uh Oooh, Uh Oooh)" -- would be a lot for any producer to follow up, but while other ragga producers garishly dress-up their riddims,
Marsden has taken a smart approach by keeping it slick and stark. It lets each singer add their own melody, and there's plenty of room for new instrumentation. The bubbly synth added on the
Angel Doolas track adds a brand new sheen to the riddim while
Beenie Man bends the beat and adds an infectious melody. The numerous highlights on
Riddim Driven: Dream Weaver are a testament to what a singer-minded and talented producer
Marsden can be. ~ David Jeffries