Live at Stubbs, Vol. II

Born Matthew Miller, Matisyahu initially seemed a novelty: a Lubavitch Hasidic Jew rapping and singing over a reggae groove. Except it became clear under further inspection that his music was not a novelty, but a careful construction of the various elements that had influenced the young man as much as his religion. His first volume of recordings from a Texas bar, *Live At Stubb’s*, helped cement his reputation and now six years later Matisyahu returns with a new backing group, the Dub Trio, to create the sharpest, loosest, most powerful Matisyahu release to date. There’s a brilliant haze falling over “Mist Rising,” an electronica-tinge to “Darkness Into Light” and a trippy, experimental taste to “Youth.” The great sensitivity he brings to “I Will Be Light” could substitute for much lite-FM balladry. “One Day” continues Matisyahu’s pacifist views as he imagines a day with no more war. His voice is in tremendous form and the new band adds a vibrant edge to every tune.