The second record from Toronto rapper Masia One is a 25-track, double-CD behemoth, but despite its variety of styles and overabundance of songs, Pulau never develops a coherent identity for itself. The problem is mostly Masia herself, who, despite a palpably energetic style, isn’t a compelling enough lyricist to sustain attention over such a long set. The CD is split into two chapters: the first, “Montreal in the Fall,” flirts with India.Arie/Lauryn Hill–style
hippie-soul and is kind of a snooze; the second, “The Islands,” is more dancehall-inflected and aggressive, and makes for a much more compelling listen. The extravagant production job, reminiscent of J Dilla’s mid-’90s work, is adroitly assembled and hook-filled, but nothing really sounds like a single. There’s clearly talent here — just no focus.