Style 43

Its taken me a while to get my shit together to write a review of Bliss N Eso‘s “Flying Colours”. This is for one reason, and one reason only, its absolutely fucking fantastic. I jumped on the Australian hip hop band wagon about two years ago and have since discovered some of my favourite current hip hop acts, one of which being the mighty Bliss N Eso.

As their third album, it is full to the brim with diversity. Perfectly chosen samples work like magic alongside Bliss N Eso‘s rhyme schemes, bringing every track to life, giving it its own beat, its own feel, and giving you the need to get the fuck up and dance, tap your feet, shout along to the choruses.. You get the picture.

As this album opens you can’t help but listen intently to the samples from unknown films (which carry on throughout), wondering what kind of tempo is about to hit you. As one posh-sounding sample asks, “Are you sitting comfortably? Then I’ll begin”. The lyrics hit with a solid beat for a few seconds and then it drops in to the second single release off the album “Woodstock 2008″, a perfect intro and a great taster of what is still to come. The horror-style chorus is dope and a good example of the ‘crew’ feel that every Bliss N Eso album has given off so far.

From start to finish, track number three is close to home, “Eye of the Storm” captures our generation in a way I haven’t heard on record for years. The completely relevant & striking lyrics left me awe-struck as the beat continued and I can guarantee this is one song, amidst the rest of the album, that will touch you in ways you’ve never been touched before (or maybe..).

Those familiar with Bliss N Eso will know why the Zulu Connections Choir are on the next track “Bullet & a Target”. Released as a single in late 2007, the track succeeded in bringing in to the light the hardship and suffering of an African community for the charity Make Poverty History. The video, filmed on location in South Africa, contains the immense vocal talents of the Zulu Connections Chior. All the proceeds from the sale of the single went straight to the dudes at Make Poverty History.

“Happy in my Hoody” is probably the only song on the album I don’t dig as much as the rest. Just for the chorus. Don’t be fooled, this song isn’t actually dedicated to jumpers….. It’s the culture surrounding them, and lets face it if you’re on our website, I don‘t need to explain any further. This is a strong track and there is a distinctive summer beat flowing underneath some varied wordplay from Hyjak, one half of Sydney duo Hyjak & Torcha, and also Melbourne rapper Phrase.

Tracks that are weaker than the rest are still great, listenable, connecting hip hop. “Destiny Lane” starts off with a great sample then dips in to a constant melodically constant sound, breaking in to sample for the next track.. “Zion Bash” is a banger of a track and although almost half-way through the record it seems like a kick-off to the album, and a pleasant surprise to what you would’ve already heard. It’s fair to say this song is over far too soon.

“Even though we know that the earth is weak, we still bomb each other and idol what the churches speak, its like this land is either run by labour or liberal, but don’t get it twisted, they’re the same criminals.” Track number eight has become a favourite of everyone I know so far who has copped this album. The lyrics from “The Sea Is Rising” bring it all forward with an epic backdrop of sound to create one of the strongest tracks on “Flying Colours”. The album continues with a relevance to the world around us, a much ignored generation and the want and need to make the most of what we have.

The production on his album has touched down on many layers, incorporating heavy sampling with introspective lyrics. The lighter tracks on this album are constantly awesome but for me it’s the harder, more serious and meaningful songs that really grabbed my attention. You can’t help but feel aware of their mission to keep the party pumping as they have become well known for doing at their live shows. The last stand-out track for me is “Field of Dreams” which contains the stand-out vocals of Paris Wells. Goddamn, this woman can sing! The soulful, strong yet pretty melody in her voice made me melt right at the end of an album that was so good it almost wore me out.

Bliss N Eso’s ability to absorb yet question the musical and social environment surrounding them will ensure their music continues to progress in the same fashion it has so far. If you’ve been left in the dark this whole time, there is a bright future for Aussie hip hop that you’re going to find pretty hard to ignore..

(Whilst you’re here… we interviewed Bliss N Eso last year, check the link down below.)
http://www.style43.com/news/2007/06/08/bliss-eso-interview/

http://www.myspace.com/blissneso

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