Bliss N Eso - Running OnAir

Thu 12th Aug, 2010 in Music Reviews

It’s no secret that Bliss N Eso’s last record, Flying Colours, was hands down the best Australian hip-hop release that year. Now with their new album, Running On Air, it appears that the Sydney three piece may have done it again.

After the boring and slightly pointless introduction track, the record begins with Flying Through The City, featuring a sample of Quincy Conserve’s Alright In The City, with intense horns over a racing beat. The production of the record, handled by Hattori Hunzo, M-Phazes and Matik, stands out in some cases, more than the vocal performance, as it is interesting and clever, and best exemplified on Addicted which mixes samples and live instruments seamlessly.

The success of Flying Colours is proven by the budget, which is obviously bigger this time around, not only clear in the production but also in the guest stars. As impressive as it is to have Xzibit drop a verse on People Up On It, the group manage to top this by featuring Wu-Tang Clan founder, the almighty RZA, on Smoke Like A Fire.

Now let’s talk about the MCs, part of the groups appeal has always been due to one of the rappers having a slight American accent, it simply sounds better than the Aussie accent when it comes to rap.Usually, having an Australian and American rapper go round for round would just highlight this, however, luckily for these guys, Eso is one of Australia’s best MCs, which makes the divide a whole lot smaller.

Both rappers have clearly matured, which is obvious on this album not only in lyrical content, but also with delivery. Lyrical themes vary from dealing with a bad ass grandma on Family Affair to reflections on childhood days in Golden Years. The use of samples is not over the top with the rappers opting to record a majority of the chorus hooks themselves.

With a huge nineteen tracks there is plenty here to keep fans happy. All rappers claim that they are the best, some prove it, and Bliss N Eso may have just taken the title as best hip-hop group in the country.