Masok is a four-piece future soul band based in Tel Aviv and comprised of Jenny Penkin, Noam Havkin, Tal Kohavi, and Omri Shani. Taking the front, Penkin is a singer-songwriter whose range goes between R&B, soul, and Hip-Hop and her warm voice and smooth phrases bring a fresh color. Accompanying her is Havkin, who’s in charge of production and keys, influenced by jazz harmonies, synthesised sounds and Stevie Wonder. Kohavi’s slick grooves, tight drums, and crispy percussion contribute to the rawness of Masok’s music. Completing the puzzle, Shani, who’s more influenced by the indie rock scene, brings unique aesthetics and laid-back mentality to his bass lines. Challenge Accepted is the band’s second LP for Raw Tapes. The quartet has always laughed off genre labels, and with Challenge Accepted they’ve created an immersive swirl of dance-oriented sounds.
With “Self Help,” the first single, Masok sets out to build a self-empowering disco banger with only two chords — an anthem to deal with life’s darkness. On “Cold Water,” the second single, dread feels funky. Over stuttering beats, twinkling guitar and wriggling bass, Penkin levitates above it all, singing from somewhere off in space. On third single “Right Side of the Glass,” their third single off their brand-new LP, Penkin invites listeners inside her mind. Over slippery synths and shivering percussion, Penkin asks in a haunting daydream melody: “Why does the brain do that? It tries to protect you but instead it attacks.” Masok hits harder than pop typically does. Accept the invitation.
FCC Warning: Track 2. Digital servicing includes a radio edit.
Recommended Tracks: Track 12, “Self Help” [radio edit], Track 1, “Cold Water,” Track 6, “Right Side Of The Glass”
Label: Raw Tapes
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