Newsflash: Matisyahu may no longer dress the part, but his music retains a heavy dose of Jewish spiritualism. This may or may not surprise those who were surprised when Matisyahu shaved his head and distanced his beliefs from his Brooklyn Hassidic community (although he still lives there). He is currently touring in support of his latest LP, AKEDA, which, while still reggae-rap resonant at its core, has introduced a new, more atmospheric sound.
Matisyahu’s set at The Showbox was wide-ranging, both career-wise and sonically, at times even featuring a bit of punk-slash-metal. A smoke machine provided the appropriate aura. Matisyahu’s rap delivery was razor-sharp, which contrasted with his consistently graceful physical maneuvers. The crowd was essentially spellbound; when the songs showcased that reggae beat, the fans moved as one.
Openers Cisco Adler and Radical Something were more traditional in their reggae sensibilities, which was fine, but nothing special. Matisyahu was the one turning things inside out and pushing the boundaries on several fronts, and that is what makes him shine.
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