Christos DC is back with the release of his new EP Matchbox. Released by his own label Honest Music, it includes five tracks that hone his signature soul and jazz-influenced style while staying true to his reggae roots.

Matchbox is the follow-up to his albums Crisis 2.0, Crisis 2.0 in dub (2021), and Self Evident (2020). The accomplished Greek-American singer, songwriter, and producer upholds the mantra of “honest music” he lives by, through which he leads the listener on a deep dive into meditative, intricate, and richly orchestrated roots music.

Christos explains: “While recording the album, I found myself isolating from external influences, including other musicians initially. I wanted to create a project by myself from scratch to express the questions and feelings I was experiencing. This album was written during a period of transition and personal growth. It was like being an actor who wants the audience to really understand the character: not only to watch and listen to what I am sharing, but to feel it as well”.

The record focuses on a rich and warm sound characterized by the use of horns, organs and a Rhodes piano. Some familiar names in the culture also come on board, including the expert bass playing of David Jah David Goldfine (Zion I Kings), and the mixing of Laurent Tippy I Alfred (I Grade Records and Zion I Kings).

Tracks like Pleasure and Pain take the listener on a voyage through soulful roots, with its mellow yet still striking horns. Friends sees the dulcet yet smoldering tones of Navissa Yasmin complement Christos’s perfectly – oozing pointed jazz. Meanwhile, Headlight and First Class Ticket feature use of smooth organs and Rhodes piano respectively, while Lies is the perfect blend of brooding Roots and something more soulful. The ever present sublime voice of Christos keeps delivering strong and conscious messages.

Matchbox is available on digital platforms.