From the ever-innovative corner of creativity that is Messiah’el Bey, introducing the second collaboration with Rocio del Pozo, the intriguingly titled The Karma Of Trust is an extensive neo-jazz-crossover album, loaded with expressive layers of live performance, conversation, and outright artistic freedom.
The story is central to the progression, Revolution 154 opening up the sixteen-track collection with a compelling discussion between our two leading artists, and quickly we’re immersed in this sense of inspiring optimism and historical depth; the process of attempting to carve out a whole new lane in modern music.
Backed by a clear and concise knowledge of music’s past, The Karma Of Trust offers a heavy opening track, both political and topical, before proceeding into an album that’s self-described as something purely for ‘the people’.
Innovation is key, and the album employs it without caution, rolling through triphop rhythms, falsetto vocal peaks, darker concepts and catchy hooks, all while fusing genres with almost no worries at all about how to effectively ‘label’ the music.
Don’t Be Scared is all of this, and sets off the musicality and mystique of the project beautifully. RnB vocals and heavier rap verses add dynamic to this new-jazz arrangement, feeling like a genuine ode to the revolution hinted at in the prior track.
Sonic Intelligence is divine, vocally familiar and engaging by Rocio’s lead, but stylistically uncertain and unique, with spoken segments again setting the bar high for provocative thought. The Karma Of Trust then keeps that world music tone and darkness mysterious and intoxicating, the lyrics bold and confronting amidst this, and the project so far leaves you keen to head back and re-listen before stepping further forwards.
The benefit of the sheer length and extensive detail of The Karma Of Trust is that it’s naturally an album offering more rewarding instances with each revisit. The project feels like an ode to a crucial moment in time, stacked high with memories and insights, creative flair and influence, ideas and emotions. Consider the fast pace and retro backdrop of a lyrically phenomenal Acapulco Gold, or the seductive poetry and intimacy of a positively juxtaposed Mirror Mirror.
Other highlights include the raw trip-hop and soul fusion of Celibacy, and the harder-hitting grit and intensity of a boldly rapped The Legend of John Horse. The world-music bounce and appeal of You Are Amazing! is also powerful in its unpredictable warmth and groove. Weave in a couple of Press Conferences and a contemporary prayer along the way, and that connection between artist and audience is consistently strengthened.
The closing track of The Karma of Trust is an industrial trip hop and jazz explosion of spacious contemplation. Humanity For Life – The Legend of John Horse Remix is an unsettling curtain call that’s both familiar and eerie in its reimagining of a former story. We end up in a place both gripped and provoked, and it makes for a less comforting but effective reminder that the album in full was built of fiercely contrasted elements of both topic and style.
Unexpectedly complex yet captivating, a cinematic album loaded with skits and segments that help seamlessly connect the flow of every great track in its make-up, The Karma Of Trust is both powerful and brilliantly enjoyable. The music has a sense of being both nostalgic and original, timeless and inventive, and this balancing of creative freedom and professionalism lets each song connect in a lasting way.
Download or stream The Karma of Trust. Check out our former interview with Messiah’el Bey or visit his Website.
