Muzik Genesis: “Retrospection” – It is rare that an artist steps this far and this aggressively into such diversity

Muzik Genesis is the musical alter-ego for Pablo Orozco-Castro. Muzik Genesis recently released its 13-track album entitled, “Retrospection”. Influenced by such diverse artists as Frank Zappa, Serart, Tom Morello, Serj Tankian and Victor Jara, Pablo started production work on the album in 2008 cultivating its themes which deal with psychology, politics, immigration, travel as well as life’s lessons and hardships. All songs were written, performed and produced by Pablo Orozco-Castro, “at his home studio with no fancy equipment,” adds Pablo. Let me start by saying that I understand why a lot of fans may be frustrated with this album, and the various directions it takes. The truth of the matter is you won’t always like what an artist does all of the time, every time, especially when you find an artist like Muzik Genesis, who pushes the boundaries and challenges listeners.

Sometimes we’re just too lazy to follow a style and sound which is a departure from the norm. Muzik Genesis mixes and mashes genres and styles crushing all perceptions of their distinction. He can move, back-to-back, from the progressive rock of “Desert Journey” to the ambient Rap of “Taken Away By Waves of Melodies”, or from the grungy spoken word of “Retrospection” to the piano-driven Hiphop of “Growth Process”. Not to mention the videogame and drum and bass sounds of “Experiment 3014”.An argument could be made that just because an artist can be this creative, doesn’t mean that they should be. That is not the case here though. While it pushes the limits this album was the right choice.

It is rare that an artist steps this far and this aggressively into such a diversity of in the same album and do it so brilliantly. What most people don’t understand is that this album actually makes perfect sense for Pablo Orozco-Castro. He is an artistic and progressive musician at heart (or at least makes one hell of a case for being one). His music is rich and layered, combining complex sounds and structures that are not the norm to create simple harmonies that fill the pop senses. Muzik Genesis has far more layers to his music than mere social commentary. While I won’t deny that there’s such commentary throughout the lyrics, there exist emotions above and beyond this social commentary. There are moments of melancholy and curiosity, eloquently conveyed by Pablo Orozco-Castro’s offbeat voice. The man can rap his lyrics, but he can also slow and draw his singing voice out into a despairing line, calling emotions up in the listener, as he does on “Shiva on the Ganges”.

Unlike many commercial minded musicians, Pablo Orozco-Castro takes the chance to explore his own vision on this album, and by applying his own complex muse Pablo has made the sound more personable and eclectic. If you are someone into radio singles, this isn’t going to be for you. The structure, balance and emotion of the music requires your undivided attention if you are to be entranced by this album in any way. After the third or fourth listen you’ll be hooked and catching little intricate parts that you might’ve missed the first time through.

There are a wide range of songs on his album, from the hyperactive ones, to the more emotional offerings. You’ll also find a couple of truly bizarre songs, and while initially strange to the ear, they will become supremely catchy highlights of this album after a few listens.Rather than tuning into radio stations and allowing yourself to submit to their playlists, search for and find artists like Muzik Genesis that at first presents itself as impenetrable, but later reveals itself to be ingenious!