So Close Yet So Far

Hard-working underground emcee Bullet Brak and veteran producer Mike Martinez teamed up for this new conceptual project entitled So Close Yet So Far. The 6-track body of work explores the ebbs and flows of life and the power of ambition. Entirely produced by Mike Martinez with Bullet Brak on the microphone, the duo bring their respective signature styles to the table and are able to mesh them perfectly for this project.

“Toll Booth (Intro)” sets the tone with a fictional toll gate that starts the long, hard journey to success. Here, we meet the toll officer who lists off the prerequisites for the journey ahead. “Morning Drive” is an aptly titled track that really puts things in motion. Mike Martinez shows up with a laidback, solemn soundscape that feels like a soundtrack to an early morning regimen, while Bullet Brak shares his thoughts on the Dos and Don’ts of life. Bars like “Know the codes like beepers and phones, never you break ’em/If you do we leave you busters like ghosts like Peter Venkman/Don’t thank me, keep your excuses/I don’t speak loose, I’m quite frankly, you’re a user” underscore his mission statement. “Rearview Confessions” follows in a similar vein, albeit with a more soulful texture. The vocal sample and guitar licks create a cinematic atmosphere with a palpable urgency. Here, Bullet Brak wears the mantle of a man on a never-ending mission. Beset by distractions, unforeseen incidents and emotional issues, he tries to balance things out the best way he knows how, and one is by being true to himself as opposed to falling deep into the abyss of love. As the title says, listeners get a different view of the man, and it’s definitely a great highlight on the project.

The project takes another turn with the second half, which starts with the gritty “Road Rage.” The track has a moody string sample with brooding flute-like elements underpinned by punchy boombap drums, while Bullet Brak steps in with his distinctly gruff vocals and engaging storytelling. On this one, he pours out his frustrations on wax as he runs through personal drama, haters and the overall political climate. There is quite a lot to unravel, but the lines “I guess the politicians you championing are some great people/lying on world TV, name calling, cursing evil/They drop bombs, commit crimes and don’t serve no time/I be lying if I wasn’t eyeing trying to get line” got our attention for their candidness. The following track “Cruise Control” is an all-out bravado track that sees the rapper flexing on the opposition. Armed with his expressive flow, no-holds-barred lyricism and knack for going off-kilter if the situation requires, Bullet Brak shows how he rolls. The beat has a summer breezy feel and makes for great backdrop music in the car with the top down.

The final track “Home Stretch” serves as the landing bay for Bullet Brak’s final lap home. In the production department, Mike Martinez delivers another solid cut with his style of layered sampling, crunchy drums and subtle scenic elements that add extra flavour to the beat. Lyricall, Bullet Brak brings the proverbial bacon home with a double-time flow laced with a devil-may-care energy that sums up his mission statement. At the end, he shows that he is better than the opposition and anyone who says differently must be hiding from the truth. Overall, the track feels like a final statement from a man who knows himself and doesn’t need external validation.

As a conceptual project, So Close Yet So Far is a mixed bag in our opinion. The progression of the songs and track titles adds to the theme while the subject matter stays in a familiar lane without breaking the ceiling. Production-wise, Mike Martinez gets the job done and laces Bullet Brak with some incredible cinematic beats that fit his gruff voice and well-crafted stories.

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