I thought the novelty of a rap and reggae mix from a Hasidic Jew would wear off, but with each new release from Matisyahu, I continue to be impressed by this Pennsylvanian’s smooth fusion of inspired music. 
Most recently, Matisyahu has released a four song EP called Shattered. The title alone has a dark connotation, and the first song, “Smash Lies”, seemingly supports this as the lyrics talk of disenchantment with the world with its “daily grind.” As the music spirals down the scale, all hope seems lost.
However, the depressed spirit seems to have a change about midway through the EP. After the steady cymbal crashes of “So Hi So Lo”, the album appears to hit an emotional low when Matisyahu declares in “Two Child One Drop” that “I am a murderer.” At this point the music breaks into double time and a new light seems to breakthrough the bleakness.
The EP closes with the brighter, “I Will Be Light”, which is a quite pretty, but less of a song and more of a coda to the album. This song is necessary for the completeness of the album, but it doesn’t seem like it could stand on its own. Instead, this EP is more like one long song that tells the story of rising above the shattered pieces of a broken world.
Matisyahu’s Shattered is available now.
Tracklisting:
01. Smash Lies
02. So Hi So Lo
03. Two Child One Drop
04. I Will Be Light
Written by: Bethany
Shows how well you know Matis – he introduced Light at Langerado in March 2008 and it was the highlight of his show. Although it may never be a hit single with the general close minded public, it can absolutely stand on its own to people who know anything about music and can appreciate what he is saying.