Worth is the anticipated debut EP from composer, musician and visual artist Thomas Arsenault, AKA Mas Ysa (pronounced maas ee sa). The nine track, 27 minute long EP features ambient, meditative sounds with the occasional upbeat groove.
Starting with a hypnotic 53 second stretch of sound much like a generic CD a masseuse might play before oiling you up, the mood quickly changes with track two, “Why”.
The 6 minute track is upbeat, smile inducing and with more than a hint of Peter Gabriel in the vocals, is perfect dance floor fodder.
After kicking into a groove, the EP then makes a u-turn back onto meditation music street with a minute long track of haunting bells in “David Wessels”.
“Life Way Up From” feels like floating on the ocean at dusk with its seductive melody and warm vocals; the title track, “Worth” is a transient taste of an acoustic guitar in the wind and is quite beautiful.
“Shame” is the latest single off the EP and is passionate with big crescendos and plenty of light and shade, showcasing Mas Ysa’s talent as a balladeer.
We head back to a relaxation interlude with “Ktidal” before “Yes” brings the beat back and “Years” softly serenades us to the end of the EP.
Although not everyone’s cup of tea, Worth is an enjoyable listen that is a mix of gentle, evocative, lingering electronica with the occasional dance groove.
Reviewed by Libby Parker
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