Masok's 'Challenge Accepted': A Musical Feast for the Soul
- J. Pla
- Sep 27, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 27, 2024
Just as a skilled chef combines ingredients to create a memorable dining experience, Tel Aviv's Masok blends diverse musical flavors in their latest album, "Challenge Accepted." This sonic banquet, served up by vocalist Jenny Penkin, producer/keyboardist Nomok, drummer Tal Kohavi, and bassist/guitarist Omri Shani, offers a rich menu of neo-soul, acid jazz, and chillhop, with a dash of psychedelia for good measure.
Like a well-crafted tasting menu, "Challenge Accepted" takes listeners on a journey through eleven exquisitely prepared tracks. The album opens with "Cold Water," a dish that sets the tone with its Erykah Badu-inspired groove and 80s keyboard flourishes. It's an appetizer that whets the appetite for what's to come.
Among the standout entrées, "Self Help" emerges as a favorite. This funk-infused track evokes memories of early Jamiroquai, with a twist of J-Pop that adds an unexpected but delightful flavor to the mix. The song's lyrical content, focusing on self-improvement, pairs perfectly with its upbeat, energetic instrumentation.
But the true pièce de résistance is "Golden Eggs." This track is the musical equivalent of a perfectly balanced dish where every element shines. The simple yet effective electric piano, reminiscent of a Wurlitzer or Rhodes, provides a foundation for layers of psychedelic sounds. The lyrics hint at a mind-expanding journey, further emphasized by the trippy keyboard solo towards the end. It's a dish that lingers on the palate long after the last note fades.
Another highlight, "Small Plates," lives up to its name by offering a tapas-like assortment of jazzy, chillhop, and soulful elements. The song's playful lyrics – possibly about a cat? – add a touch of whimsy to the sophisticated musical arrangement.
Throughout the album, Masok demonstrates their ability to create a cohesive listening experience while exploring various musical textures. Like a chef who knows when to let ingredients shine and when to blend them subtly, producer Nomok crafts each track with a deft touch. The production maintains a lo-fi, chillhop vibe that feels intimate rather than overproduced.
Lyrically, Penkin serves up a mix of introspection, self-help philosophy, and honest reflections on personal growth. These themes add depth to the grooves, making "Challenge Accepted" more than just background music.
To wrap it up, I want to say that for me, Masok's "Challenge Accepted" is more than just an album – it's a chill, groovy feel-good experience that makes me want to gather my friends for an unforgettable evening. As I listen to these tracks, I can't help but imagine the perfect setting: a warm summer night, candles flickering, the gentle breeze coming through the window, and a table laden with Spanish tapas and maybe a steaming paella.
t's an invitation to create experiences, to savor life's simple pleasures, and to connect with the people around us. And in my book, that's what truly great music is all about.
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