There in Spirit is Homeboy Sandman's second EP since the soul-baring full-length Don't Feed the Monster, which was produced by Quelle Chris. Continuing to stick with one producer per release, after previously making records with the likes of Edan and Aesop Rock, this one features the talents of Illingsworth. The Detroit beatmaker provides Sandman with granulated rhythms that crackle and dissolve, yet remain solid enough to support the emcee's casual yet determined rhymes. Most of the lyrics focus on self-help themes, but they're delivered with Sandman's usual down-to-earth demeanor, making them sound like a friend giving you an encouraging pep talk. "Voices (Alright)" is a mental checklist of tips for personal improvement and encouragement. On "Keep That Same Energy," he challenges people who are extremely active online to back up their words in person, over Illingsworth's glitchy strings and wonky bass. Revisiting the more personal themes explored on Don't Feed the Monster, "The Only Constant" shares anecdotes about receiving emojis from distant relatives, but being unable to see them without a smart phone, and on "Feels So Good to Cry," Sandman matches Illingsworth's syrupy beats and muffled soul samples with slowly paced lyrics about how refreshing it is to let oneself feel vulnerable sometimes. The EP as a whole isn't excessively sad or serious, however, and it ends with "Epiphany," Sandman's comical recollection of that moment when he realized that he is surrounded by people who "do not have swag." The chorus repeats this eureka moment, and Sandman emerges triumphant as he ignores the haters and stays determined to be true to himself. ~ Paul Simpson, Rovi

1		Something Fly
2		Keep That Same Energy
3		Voices (alright)
4		Stand Up
5		The Only Constant
6		Feels so Good to Cry
7		Epiphany