Gusto – Misha

Where should one start with Gusto?

This question is the fascinating conundrum my quizzical mind toyed with as I approached the keyboard to write my thoughts on this EP. Anyone would think I was starting a Sudoku puzzle!

Over six tracks, working with a host of different guest artists, the Finish/Ukrainian producer Misha’s creates a testimony to exemplary production with good songwriting and rhythmic understanding. Each artists’ unique tonality and style colour the track in unity with their message, such as the excellent Ashley DuBose (US) single Michelangelo, celebrating the need for self-love. While The Soul Food Horns ode to the city of California, Kali lights turntables in a golden soul glow.

The irresistibly smooth and catchy Good Together could have been written as a tribute to the collaboration with Misha. The combination of Kaisha, cocabona and Ian Ewing produce an irresistible track. The mellow Roadblock featuring Danny Polo, the superb 2 Cool (though the rap is distracting) deliver such soulful dynamics speakers literally sigh…

The only thing I discovered was where not to start.

In stark contrast to these buttery soul gems is the hip hop single – Glory. While Misha provides a sweet bassline and soulful chorus break by Latrell James, I have no desire to listen to expletive lyrics that still use the N-word. It was especially unnecessary here and opposed the other artists’ superb text visualisations.

Partnering the right voices with the right compositions, Misha has made this EP appear easy. And irrespective of my highlighted objection, it’s undeniably an outstanding EP.