P.T.S.D

Photo Credit: Donny Slater

California native City James fuses sonic textures with social commentary and seasoned performance on the singular, pensive and measured ‘P.T.S.D’, featuring fellow Californian Travis Walker. Originally a poet, City decided to make to jump into music in order to reach a wider audience, building his sound and image on his own individual view on life. An adept lyricist, he writes about his struggles and discrepancies with sophistication and perception, merging generic sensibilities with socially conscientious writing. 

In an instrumental full of variation and diverse textures, a jazzy guitar melody is consolidated with busy, booming percussion, and sharp accentuated production to create a translucent and compelling atmosphere. There is some interesting manipulation of vocals and inflection in a beat that is full of vibrancy and subtly. Lyrically, both rappers offer provoking thematic narration that questions societal expectations and the psyche of love, religion and morality, with both verses brimming full of characterful flows and powerful delivery. 

Despite the cut being under 3 minutes long, it feels like so much happens, with the transitions and instrumental changes seamlessly executed. Meticulous in its skill, this is an impressive and enjoyable track from a very talented artist.