Review: "Self Reflection" EP by Mitch Darrell
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The first track on Mitch Darrell’s “Self Reflection” EP is titled “Where Are You God.” It’s a brilliant introduction; shimmery and full of vibes - a pleasant departure from the over-produced rap tracks that are being churned out by the dozen. Merging the conscious style of rappers like Common and Kendrick, Mitch Darrel has a refreshing flow and distinct voice we haven’t heard before.
We all need a chill-out break from aggressive tracks, and “Where Are You God” brings some levity, especially as the floating hook hits at 1:08. Like many songs, this track tackles a plea for faith, but gently, and with a creative take. “Rearrange” feels like a time warp as a the tick-tock of a clock intros it. With Mitch’s vocal chops shining in this, we get to see more of his unique timbre and graceful lyrics that stand out but are still digestible, like: “mumble rap is the reason that rap has stumbled backwards/ lyricism no talent rappers would fumble that word.”
Although many of his beats are filled with echoing effects and have an electronic influence, Mitch goes back to basics with an acoustic guitar based track “Blood on my Hands” that could easily play on a hip hop station, or an indie one.
Religion and his Christianity are occasionally referenced, but never in an overbearing way - just an introspective and curious approach that remains true to Darrel’s title and album art. “Not Black Enough” has a jazzy instrumental that evokes a Tribe Called Quest kind of energy without being too derivative. In this, Mitch similarly explores concepts of self-identity, particularly the complicated relationship between himself and his culture.
This rapper is being slept on right now, but with the trajectory he’s headed on in 2020, we doubt that will continue for much longer. Listen to Mitch Darrell’s “Self Reflection” below.