An etheric journey into the heart of Oneness, “Sweet Storm,” the new solo release by DJ Drez, is an expectation and genre defying mystical exploration of sound and life. An aural glimpse into the late-night journal and musings of the Sound Ambassador, this follow up to his 2015 release “Alpine Swift” is a rare opportunity to hear from the man himself who normally lets the beats do the talking.

Highly experimental, “Storms” is a triumphant departure from the drum-driven, instrumental vibe that has been the cornerstone of DJ Drez’ 25+ year illustrious career in underground hip hop, reggae, mantra and electronic music. From the first press of “play,” the listener is swept up and away into an often dreamy, synth-laden, ambient realm, deliciously interlaced with lyrics and vocal voyaging carefully crafted through atmospheric filters and effects.

The album’s mission statement and perhaps musical and emotional climax arrive on “Feel it All.” Through an eerie, distant, vocal distortion, Dr. Ez drones, “We’re here to live so we can feel it all.” The embracing of all experience in this human trip through an awakened heart of love, resolves all apparent opposites into a coherent whole – One. Almost undetectable fuzzy synthesizer loops in the background, as marimba with a psychedelic sustain melts into piano and orchestral strings. Symphonic symbols arrive mid-song to announce the 808 beat drop and bass line reminiscent of the Drez we have become accustomed to, yet atypical for the album as a whole.

Not only on “Feel It All,” but throughout “Sweet Storms,” EZ’s lyrics themselves dance in and out the spotlight, sometimes an accent, other times melting into an intentionally undistinguishable mind melt, and yet often clearly up front. For someone who’s first foray into lyricism came only one album ago, Drez proves his ever-pioneering and boundary pushing ability utilizing his voice as protagonist and also, slyly, as another layer of ethereal instrumentation.

“Storms” is blissfully unpredictable, occasionally suggesting non-linearity and always a textured multidimensionality from a song structure and production perspective, much like life itself. On “I Don’t Know,” a duet with long-time musical accomplice and partner, Marti Nikko, the pair aren’t actually singing together, but the vocals are mirrored and echoed by the other, in turn, lurking shadow-like just under the lead. While both Drez and Nikko have a solo verse, the track and their presences meld into a coherent feeling of one through the OG Innovator’s mixing. While completely absent throughout the cut, a bangin’ drum track comes in as the outro for the final 30 seconds – the feel both anticipatory, sublime and somewhat unorthodox as the beat fades into silence.

Atonal synthesizer, simple clicks, and sparse bass propel “Girl,” a lyrically sensual track, deeper into the dream-like feel of the album. Two-thirds of the way in, staccato stand-up bass and violin punctuate Drez’ description of the losing one’s conception of self in intimacy with another. The violin then joins the original instrumentation and carries the song to completion.

This theme of oneness is whispered throughout lyrically, yet perhaps is most clearly felt in the uniqueness and coherence of the complete whole of the feel of the album. Repeated listens unveil more brilliant nuance and wonder as what seemed strangely simple and minimal continually reveals itself as rich and cunningly complex. The pairing of Drez’ vocals and vocal content with the electronic wizardry and genius production can conjure what often feels simultaneous paradoxical sentiment - joyful, optimistic and celebratory yet also somehow moody, evocative and melancholy. At times the listener can feel a sense of urgency and earnestness while also ease, lightness, and even playfulness. This is the work of a master at his craft, the ability to take something so deeply personal and bless it to be universal in reach, giving each listener permission to feel, explore and have a unique experience and understanding.

Perhaps the most poignant musical alchemy arrives on “On My Own,” a track clearly venturing into the highest realm of spiritual liberation. Lyrically and sonically, this grand triumph of divine reunion on the graspable horizon is paired with the feeling of solitude of the inner journey, an almost haunting vocal bending effect, sparse piano as both lead and bass and understated, psychedelic dub-like accents. “I’m slipping through portals / to normal immortal,” DJ Drez almost understates, leaving us with a most poignant teaching and the seed of suggestion, revealing the nature of oneness and normalizing mysticism through the medium of sound.
--John Smrtic www.bhaktigrooveyoga.com