Message at the Depth
After the gentle turns of 2001's rich and melodiousZen, DJ Krush'sThe Message at the Depthbanks a hard corner, layering political dissent and antiwar sentiments with jumbled beats and harsh electronic scrambles. Again making expert use of guest vocalists, artists likeAnti-Pop Consortiumand Anticon give literal expression to Krush's dark waxwork, turning "Supreme Team" and "Song for John Walker" into overt political statements. Throughout, Krush explores a deeply pissed-off vibe, coming up for air only on the bittersweet "Alrpheua (Truthspeaking)" featuring Angelina Esparza. He finds a little peace by the end of the record, lifting the veil on playful dub rhythms for "The Lost Voices" featuringSly & Robbieand "What About Tomorrow" featuring Abijah. In a chaotic world, Krush's eloquent anger is soothing, even when his malevolent turntables smack us in the face.--Matthew Cooke