Drawing from the deep lore of comic books and superheroes, Identity Crisis is the new concept album from the genre-defying A.P. Michaels.

By Graeme Smith

Delicately timeless instrumentals and soft, characterful vocals are the order of the day in Identity Crisis, as typified by its opener Who’s That Guy? There’s a wistfulness to it that makes it instantly arresting, and the rich soundscape that develops keeps your attention. It builds to a dramatic finish which has us hungry for what’s to come.

Jazz, pop, soul, hip-hop, disco and something a little more indescribable mix across the album’s thirteen tracks. It’s varied yet coherent, anchored by Michaels’s expressive and charismatic vocals. There are soft and introspective moments like Mr. Nobody and Peace of Mind’s My One True Weakness, and livelier ones like Ghost Rider. Sometimes we get this contrast within a single track, namely the rousing The Human Torch and triumphant album closer Excelsior The Silver Age is Over.

The lyrics feel relatable, even when they branch out into the surreal. Imagery and metaphor are abound in tracks like Poison Ivy and Currents, making them memorable highlights.

A.P. Michaels is a wonderfully defiant artist who isn’t afraid to take aim at those who tried to box him in genre-wise over the years. His new album does not follow the rules, but feels coherent through its uniqueness. Its lyrical depth, which tackles weighty themes of morality, faith, strengths, and flaws, makes it well worth a listen.

Identity Crisis is set for release on 1 August 2025.