EP Review: Fortune Seller EP by K-Saulz Produced by World Of Ghosts

 

Fortune Seller EP

By

K-Saulz and World Of Ghosts

 

It has been nearly two years since I featured my man K-Saulz, and at that time he was working alongside production duo DiffHop but, now he is back, and this time he teams up with another production duo, World of Ghosts aka Context and Clarity, to bring you the Fortune Seller EP.

This was released just a few days ago on 5^th May and consists of four full tracks and an intro. The promo for the EP promises “a gritty, thought-provoking collaborative project, the EP delves deep into the darker corners of the human experience, reflecting on toxic culture, political unrest, and personal battles in an increasingly chaotic world. Rooted in classic boom bap with a signature UK underground twist, World Of Ghosts bring their trademark slow-tempo, head-nodding production, laced with eerie atmospherics and heavy-hitting drums. K-Saulz and World Of Ghosts have created a snapshot of modern struggle, survival, and truth—wrapped in raw beats and uncompromising bars”.

Alongside K-Saulz and World of Ghosts, there are guest appearances from Scrolls The Mystic, Verbz MC, Ill Sykes and Seek Tha Northerner. With all that said, I hope I have whetted your appetite enough…

So, join me know as we sit in a tent, dimly lit by candles, and with the faint smell of incence filling the air…

World of Ghosts remain in the shadows while K-Saulz takes a seat across the table from us, and once we cross his palm with silver, he begins. The Intro sets the scene for us, with a down tempo beat and some eerie key notes, we are drawn into an alternate reality, created for us by the artist, where paranoia seems to be the order of the day; something that, in truth is not that from the reality in which we currently live.

Now things begin in earnest as K-Saulz becomes the Fortune Seller, while World of Ghost brings a cinematic sound scape of horns and strings, over plodding beat that floats along to faint smoke of the incense sticks. K-Saulz captivates us with the depth of his wordplay and poetic lyricism. As we listen to flow of these captivating words, there are metaphorical lines that play havoc with our minds and have us wondering if this is just the intricate flows of am emcee ahead of their time, of if he is actually getting into our minds and dreams, giving us glimpse of what is to come? As our minds spin, Scrolls The Mystic appears from the shadows, seemingly forming from faint smoke that hangs in the air. He joins K-Saulz for the Rebirth Of Cyrus and a heavy beat kicks in while bells, keys, cymbals and more bring an eerie edge to proceedings. This one really tests the limit of our understanding as words, metaphors and similes twist the very nature of our understanding of the world around us. This goes some way to mirror the constant stream of information, dis-information, and mind-controlling information that our awareness is constantly exposed to every day. It is how we individually process this information that controls how we see and understand what is happening around us; a deep and, at times, troubling thought that may make you re-examine what you see as truths and untruths.

The form of Scrolls The Mystic fades away and is replaced by the form of Verbz MC for War Dance. Here, World Of Ghosts brings us more heavy drums over which is a mix of guitars, harp, horns, and much more that goes past eerie and tests our every nerve. K-Saulz and Verbz MC bring intricate wordplay that serves to bring visions of all forms of altercations, arguments, civil unrest, wars, and beyond. These visions might come from what you see in the world around, with those around you, or even from within yourself but, one thing is for sure, every day we see and experience these things and must learn not to let them to seep to deeply into who we are, or the negativity will take control of us and draw us into the darkness. The EP draws to a close with Reality Check, something we definitely need right now, and once more the swirling smoke begins to take on human form. This time if takes on the form of Ill Sykes and Seek The Northerner, standing shoulder to shoulder with K-Saulz. World Of Ghosts brings this melodic beat with bass, bells, flute, and vocal samples which all mix to bring us this more uplifting sound but, still with an air of the mystic. If you have been picturing yourself, sat in this little tent, questioning just what reality is all about, then this one will blow it all apart and have you trying to fit the pieces back together like some mindboggling jigsaw puzzle. The guys take a deep dive into many aspects of life in the world today and then tear it all apart leaving you question everything and wonder just what goes where and what the bigger picture truly is…

 

Once K-Saulz and World Of Ghosts have stepped away, you leave that little tent with a sense that the Fortune Seller EP may not have told you anything you did not know? However, what it has done is to sell you a whole new way to look at the world around you and how you might see your life and fortunes progressing. Music is a powerful medium that can paint an audible picture for you that might, in this case, immediately seem to be a dark representation of life but, as it seeps into your awareness more and more, you realise that its all about how you view that reality and how much of the negative aspects you allow to consume you. If you can take a step back and view the world from a different standpoint and not allow the darkness in, things look a whole lot different and you can walk forward knowing it will never control you, and only you have the ultimate control of yourself and your journey…

I have to say that I really enjoyed this one and how it allowed me to have some fun with my interpretations. The production from World Of Ghosts has this eerie, almost Trip Hop vibe to it but, still has that foundation of solid boom bap Hip Hop. It is those subtle background sounds that create the eerie vibe, and when laid over those down-tempo beats it just helps you float along to the sound, as incense smoke hangs and floats through the air. K-Sauls really goes all out here in demonstrating his intricate wordplay, flows, and a deeply poetic edge that really draws you in and helps you get lost in the moment. Bringing in a few solid emcees here also adds an additional edge to the proceedings. Each guest emcee brings a different vibe that just adds a subtle depth to those tracks, taking nothing away from K-Saulz but, fitting perfectly with the overall vibe of the EP.

The Fortune Seller EP is one of those releases that you can easily just bang in the car on your headphones and just enjoy the sound but, equally it has a deep message that allows you to sit back and drink in those words and let your self get completely immersed in the music.

If you have not checked this one already, then I humbly suggest that you do so, because you’ll be glad you did. For me, it has me wondering if there might be an album coming and also wanting to hear more from World Of Ghosts.

Artwork comes from Fabio Sanna.

The Fortune Seller EP is out now, so don’t sleep on it.

I’ll be seeing you next time.

Steve.

LINKS

Grab the EP from Bandcamp Here:

https://k-saulz.bandcamp.com/album/fortune-seller-ep

K-Saulz Links:

https://www.k-saulz.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/ksaulzofficial/

https://www.facebook.com/TheGobbyHobbit

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL_fipZeFAwRG0ymnafxb4w

World Of Ghosts Links:

https://www.instagram.com/worldofghosts1/

https://worldofghosts.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/worldofghosts1

VIDEOS

Rebirth of Cyrus ft Scrolls The Mystic

 

 

 

 

Album Review: The Craft by K-Saulz & Diffhop

 

The Craft

By

K-Saulz & DiffHop

 

It was way back in March of 2022 that K-Saulz and production duo DiffHop dropped The Abstract Arsonist EP, a release that lit a fire under the floor of the UK scene, making people sit up and take notice of the guys from South Wales. They also released a single, Stranger, in July that year, keeping up the hype from the EP.

Now the guys are back, on Bard Picasso Records, and this time with a full album, The Craft, to treat us to more of their brand of Hip Hop. With one single, Lost In Space ft BMellow & Harkos, already under their belt, this release promises a wealth of boom bap beats and slick rap vocals.

Let’s not hang around here and get straight into it…

 

Puzzles is the little intro here that gives us this little soundscape that is rooted in guitar notes while it gives us a little insight into what is to come as the sampled vocal describes how words form the basis of rap and how getting deep into how you use words is the foundation of the emcees craft. Words are like blank jigsaw pieces and the emcee is the one crafting something special from what is before him. From there we move straight into the albums title track, The Craft. Opening with a sample from Silence Of The Lambs, it features Brighty and DJ Jaffa on the cut; the beat drops with drums, bass and a heavy violin sample, which gives this a deep atmospheric vibe. The Craft is, of course, the art of emceeing and of taking a jumble of words, phrases, similes, and metaphors, and then creating something that has meaning, depth and can be instantly relatable or enjoyed by the listener; and all done to a beat that helps to solidify the message or that sense of fun that is being conveyed. With just a brief moment to consider what the craft of emceeing is and what it means to the emcee, we are catapulted, by words and music, beyond the confines of the planet, to where we find ourselves Lost In Space. The one track to have features and where we find BMellow (UK) and Harkos (US) joining the crew. A heavy beat and strings combine to create the kind of soundscape that helps you imagine floating in the endless universe or just closing your eyes and floating within your own mind. How you see it is your choice as the emcees spin tales that are as at home in the here and now as they are as the memories of those floating aimlessly among the stars.

An uplifting, chilled out vibe of Keys, drums, and strings, brings a thoughtful air on Pulverise while the pounding beat keeps you moving. Clever wordplay sees K-Saulz spin an audible kaleidoscope around what it is to live our lives. Listening to the words that twist and turn in your mind really is like the ups and downs of daily life as you do your best to makes ends meet and get the most from every moment. Ahead of the Game is another short skit that continues the narrative from Puzzles, further elaborating on the process of writing and creating as an emcee. Strings and drums are the main component of the soundscape for Silence is deadly, this creates a vibe that seems to have you on edge as you listen. This fits perfectly as this one is all about the anticipation, the pause before something happens; in that moment anything is possible as the mind awaits what is to come, sometimes knowing and sometimes unknowing, that brief moment is the place where dreams can be born and crushed or where a moment of peace seemingly becomes the opposite what it truly is…

Nightmare On Self Street has this sound of keys, drums and strings that creates this deep dark vibe. This perfectly fits with this tale of the dark and confused moments in the mind, where nothing seems to fit or make sense and we begin to question everything around us; just until that moment we wake and wonder if that nightmare was all just a dream or if we did just live it? These moments where we question our sanity can often lead to moments of clarity, we just need to write it down and try to understand the true meaning behind it. Synth vibes draw us into Crossbone before the beat drops and gets your head nodding to this brooding sound that wouldn’t be out of place in a horror movie. Featuring Dick Dastardly and DW Smith, the whole track is like an unapologetic, X-Rated brutal assault on your eardrums and your mind. There are no punches pulled and no fucks given on this one, and the more you listen the more it sounds like John Carpenter meets Hip Hop, so enjoy. Crazy Chicks, featuring A Gent Orange, then drops with an easier going sound that has a bit more a tongue-in-cheek vibe about it. This one is like an alternative love story that focuses on the kind of women you can’t help but, love even though they might not be the most trustworthy; there is just something about them that’s gets you hooked every time.

Let Me Tell You has that summer vibe about it with an uplifting soulful vibe of drums, guitar, and strings. The vibe here is all about those days when your parents were away and you were home alone and so you got a huge party organised, one that goes so well, at least to start with, before quickly spiralling out of control into a 24-hour session that you realise has gone so bad when you parents pull up in the driveway. Saxophone and strings help us float into The Dark Passenger, featuring The Honest Poet, then the beat drops with a piano heavy sound and bringing a deeper thoughtful vibe. This is an emotive tale of addiction and broken, fractured relationships and how they can so deeply affect all those around them. As much as this shows the pain and suffering that can be caused, especially within the family unit, it is also a cautionary tale that shows we all have a choice to make; we can bury our own pain, or we can share it with those around us and let them help us find a road to recovery. The penultimate and last full track of the album is You Made Me which has a deep emotive sound created by Keys, strings, harp, and drums. A beautiful track that explores those who make us who we are, from our children, our mothers, our wives, these are the ones who can be so close to us and make us look at who we are, changing us to one of the truest expressions of our true self. The moments we share with our loved ones are the moments which can change our lives for the good and for always. The album ends with the Outro Skit – Doom, wise words on inspiration from MF DOOM.

 

The Craft is a rollercoaster ride of sound and content that explores just how expressive the art of rap and Hip Hop music can truly be. You can almost sum it up in that one sentence alone, although there is a lot more to it than that alone.

What K-Saulz and DiffHop (Dave Pearce & Lee Hardy) have is to explore not just what it is to be an emcee and how they do what they do but, also what it means to be an emcee, someone whose craft is to play with words and meanings, and then to create entertaining and expressive music that connects with the listener. If you truly think about it the emcee has to connect with the producer, the DJ, the guest artists and the listeners; without those connections the music will not be all it could be.

K-Saulz and DiffHop have that connection that allows them to bring out the best in each other and making their sound have that edge that not only sounds great but, feels great too. That leads to a connection with the guest artists and a mutual respect that further deepens the sound and feel of the album. All of that coming together creates the connection to the listener who can feel the energy created by those connections, and they relate to every track with a message and just enjoy the vibe of those that are just for fun or expressing the complex wordplay, and that will make them want to hear more. So, there is an aspect of the album that is about connection but, it is also about K-Saulz cleaver, expressive and intricate wordplay; it is about DiffHop and their slick production which creates a whole audible experience.

Overall, The Craft is a solid album that has one foot rooted firmly in the roots of Hip Hop music, while the other foot is never rooted anywhere but, is constantly searching out new avenues to explore and bring to the music. There are emotive tracks that deal with some tricky subjects in a sensitive way and there are tracks that also just display the fun you can have with wordplay. There is a bit of everything here that will make it highly entertaining but, it’s definitely not for younger ears.

The Craft is out on 28^th October on Bard Picasso Records, and I highly suggest you give this one a listen, you won’t regret it.

On that Note,

I’m outta here.

Steve.

LINKS

Get your copy of the album through Bandcamp Here:

https://k-saulz.bandcamp.com/album/the-craft-lp

The Craft streaming links Here:

https://songwhip.com/ksaulz/thecraft

Get you copy of the album and check everything K-Saulz on his official Website:

https://www.k-saulz.co.uk/

 

EP Review: The Abstract Arsonist EP by K-Saulz & DiffHop

 

The Abstract Arsonist EP

By

K-Saulz and Diffhop

 

K-Saulz is an emcee from Surrey in Southern England, now residing in South Wales, he is signed to the label Bard Picasso Records. Part of Surrey based Hip Hop group Glass Eyed Pupils, K-Saulz has amassed a decent sized catalogue as solo artist as well as with the group. His vocal sound ranges from oldskool boombap 90’s style to a more melodic and atmospheric sound.

For this new EP, The Abstract Arsonist, he has teamed with East Cardiff based production/beat maker duo Diffhop. Otherwise known as DaiHard and HardyBeatz, the guy’s sound comes from hardware sampling and crate digging and is heavily influenced by the mid to late 90’s sound.

All being said, what can we expect from The Abstract Arsonist EP?

Well, join me as I take you through the EP track by track and give you my thoughts and feelings.

The album kicks of in an upbeat feel-good style where we get to feel that sampling and crate digging vibe on the beat from DiffHop as plenty of classic samples combine to raise our moods. Record In Time see’s K-Saulz take us on a surreal trip through some key moments in history where he intertwines his own experiences with these historical moments. This is all used to good effect as he gives us the lowdown on his career and progression to date. The tone then changes as DiffHop bring in this deeper and more mystical tone. Drums and a music box melody combine for a vibe that pinches and stretches your nerves. That musical backdrop is perfect for K-Saulz to take us on a mind-bending journey that is number based. On 6^th of the 7^th he skillfully spins an intricate web of bars that detail special and important dates and much more that relate to the numbers Six and Seven. This is no Sesame Street though with everything from his birthday to the seven chakras and beyond getting a mention. This is one track that you get a buzz out of listening to over and over as you focus on picking out everything that packed in this one.

Colourful World has this nice simplistic beat of guitars and drums But, mixed into this are the dulset tones of the one and only Bob Ross, what more could you want right. As you float along with the simplicity of the production, it gives more focus to the words from K-Saulz. Here we get some slick verbal storytelling that all relates, in some way, to colour. This creates this wonderful mental picture of just what a colourful place the world around us is. Its all about taking the time to really see and feel those colours. This is probably the closest you can get to a verbal Bob Ross painting. Time to switch things up a little now as DiffHop take a mixture of violins, bongos, and drums to create a boombap that not only makes you wanna bounce but, also captures your full attention. Shape Shifters has K-Saulz looking at all the shapes that create what we see in the world around us. This seems a natural progression from the colourful nature of the world. The shapes we see everyday seem to be infinite in their appearance, morphing from one thing to another. There is also an analogy here in that, in life, you can remain fixed in your attitude and your approach to life’s journey, or you can be the Shape Shifter, constantly morphing and adapting to what comes your way.

Our final track of the EP has DiffHop dropping another upbeat track which features drums and a rock style guitar. This sound not only serves to uplift but, also to inject some energy that really makes you wanna move. On Different, K-Saulz is all about how it is so important to really take a different perspective when looking at our life experiences. One perspective see’s a challenge that appears to be too much, while another aspect see’s that challenge as a chance to adapt and to change in order to overcome, it’s all about looking at this differently, just as an emcee or producer does in creating their music…

Overall, The Abstract Arsonist EP does exactly what is says, taking an abstract view of life and the world around us and doing it in such a way as to a fire in the heart and soul of the listener.

K-Saulz shows he is more that adept at switching his style to suit the beat and his wordplay really does set up some intricate stories that not only entertain but, also give you something to think about, igniting a desire to want to go back to again because you are sure you missed something the first time around, or was that the third time around, I forget…

DiffHop’s production is spot on here. You feel their influences and chosen way of beat making in each track but, there is depth also that perfectly captures the musical vibe to setup K-Saulz. The range of vibes they created for the EP is excellent and gives plenty for the listener to enjoy. That whole sampling and crate digging vibe really takes you back to the 90’s but, also has enough to keep their sound fresh.

What I do like about The Abstract Arsonist EP is that it is one of those releases that enables me to say more with less words. Plus, the use of Bob Ross is probably genius here as you can’t help but love a bit of Bob. More than that is this EP has a bit of a timeless aspect in that you could listen to this anytime for days weeks and even years and there will be something here that will relate to whatever situation you are in at the time, and I have to give huge credit to K-Saulz and DiffHop for creating that feel.

On a number of occasions, I have included some notes about how you can often get a different outlook on some tracks depending on how you hear them or in what context. Here on The Abstract Arsonist EP, I can once more show you that. The EP’s first track, Record In Time, was conceived by K-Saulz as a track that details the history of the vinyl record from the perspective of vinyl. What is key here is that you pay particular attention to the first bar with the date, then the history of the vinyl record becomes more apparent. However, if like me, you obviously missed that, then you could well see the track the way I did in my review. This really shows the multi-layered aspect of the EP and how you can pick up different things with each listen. A real credit to K-Saulz writing.

The Abstract Arsonist EP has gotta be one you need to check out. Give it a listen or more and see if you agree with me. It’s out now so go grab yours…

On that note,

I’m outta here or maybe I’m still here? It’s all about perspective, I guess…

See Ya,

Steve. 

LINKS

Get the EP from Bandcamp Here:

https://k-saulz.bandcamp.com/album/the-abstract-arsonist-ep-k-saulz-diffhop  

VIDEOS

Record In Time (Official Video)