Review: Illus - Feel Good Music

“I dance to the beat of a different drum / to spread peace, love, unity and havin fun.” Those are the words of Illus from his song “Have Fun, Will Travel” off of his latest album, a seven song EP titled Feel Good Music. The album lives up to the title as lyrically Illus provides something positive for listeners, and production-wise J.J. Brown, of Louis Logic and J.J. Brown fame, lays down some amazing beats. Right from the start the boom-bap feel of “Ready” sets the tone for album. It’s followed by the fun and funky “Beautiful Day,” which is perfect for a summer ride with the top down. The title track is an incredibly soulful one, and on the creative, and intensely personal, “Super Secret Identity” Illus tells the story of his childhood through superhero allegories. The references give Illus’ childhood stories both a childlike innocence to them, and show how growing up can sometimes take a superhero-like attitude. As a whole, there’s plenty to feel good about with Feel Good Music.