Yossi, an award-winning actor, spoken word artist, and co-founder of the community-driven Write2Speak initiative, has long captivated audiences with his ability to blend powerful poetry with evocative storytelling. Known for his performances at prestigious venues such as BAFTA, Guildhall, and Tate Modern, as well as his MTV-featured poems, Yossi’s journey in spoken word is as diverse as his artistic career. His debut EP ”For Some Reason” established him as an artist with a unique voice, and four years later, he returns with ‘Lost Souls,’ a three-track exploration that delves deep into the existential questions that shape human existence.
The EP starts with ‘The City,’ a vivid portrayal of London’s grit and bleakness, set against an alternative hip-hop beat. The track immediately captures the listener with its grungy underground tones and distorted vocals, which evoke the sense of being lost within the sprawling urban chaos. A guitar riff propels the track forward, its raw energy complemented by a fluctuating melodic bell contrasting the gritty soundscape with a euphoric hope. It’s a song that captures the tension between despair and optimism, reflecting the experience of navigating the complexities of modern life in a city that can feel overwhelming yet still offers moments of redemption.
The second track, and title track, Lost Souls, was penned during the lockdown of COVID-19, and it exudes a dream-like, almost cinematic quality. Underneath Yossi’s powerful vocals, atmospheric pads swirl, creating a psychedelic soundscape that reflects the disorientation many of us felt during the isolating months of the pandemic. The track paints a picture of individuals trapped in their homes, disconnected from society, both physically and spiritually. Yossi’s voice resonates with the sadness of this separation, but there is also an undercurrent of hope. The line “Everything is perfect just the way it is right now, and there’s a lot that still needs changing, but we’ll figure it all out” serves as a reminder that while the world may feel fractured, there is always potential for healing and growth.
The final track, Tryfan, was inspired by Yossi’s time in Snowdonia, and its haunting, ominous tones create an entirely different atmosphere. This track takes on a more introspective, almost spiritual tone as Yossi muses on the effects of modern life on our connection to the natural world. The soundscape is psychedelic and trippy, with undulating textures that mirror the dissonance between the human spirit and the domesticated, often artificial environment in which we live. Tryfan explores the psychological and metaphysical consequences of this disconnect, challenging listeners to reflect on how our modern lifestyles may be eroding our innate connection to nature and our true selves.
In many ways, ”Lost Souls” is an EP that explores the fragility of the human experience. Yossi’s poetic insight is evident in every track, offering an exploration of themes like isolation, disconnection, and the search for meaning in a world that often feels detached from our deeper truths. His ability to craft an emotional narrative through spoken word and music, blending influences from hip-hop, psychedelic rock, and ambient soundscapes, makes ‘Lost Souls‘ a deeply immersive experience. Each track feels like a chapter in a larger story, where the protagonist is on a journey of self-discovery and reflection, confronting personal and societal challenges along the way.
Yossi’s work with Write2Speak is an extension of his artistic philosophy, providing young people and adults with the tools to express themselves through spoken word. This educational work is a vital part of his artistic identity, underscoring his commitment to social change and community empowerment. With ”Lost Souls,” Yossi expands on the themes he’s explored in his previous work, taking us on a sonic journey that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. His distinctive voice, literally and metaphorically, leaves an indelible mark on the landscape of contemporary spoken word and music. ”Lost Souls” is an EP that invites listeners to reflect, question, and ultimately to find solace in the shared human experience.
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