Album Review: Bliss N Eso - Circus In The Sky

Bliss N Eso's debut album Flowers In The Pavement was solid: two goofy, excited youngsters spitting flames. But that's the distant past now. These days those former youngsters can legitimately claim to be some of the most prominent musicians in the country. How they've grown.

Can't Get Rid Of This Feeling, driven by Daniel Merriweather, is this release's high point. Contemporary soul, the track demands more of Bliss N Eso than their usual 'straight up raps at a straight up tempo' delivery. Both pass the test impressively. Elsewhere, Bliss N Eso's guest MCs beg the same question, but answer it differently. What are 360, Pez, Drapht and Seth Sentry doing on Reservoir Dogs? Well, they're executing a roll call of some of the biggest rappers in Australia. The track bounces along with a real sense of urgency, as well as camaraderie among the merry men. Lacklustre hook aside, it's exciting stuff. And what is Nas doing on I Am Somebody? Well, he's sounding bad; lazy. What ought to be a tour de force – a lesson from a New York legend to two Australians about what rap means – is a disappointment as Nas is left chasing the beat, never dominating. Home Is Where The Heart Is gives us an insight into how this now 13-year-old (!) crew came together.

So, what to make of Circus In The Sky? Through it all there's a sense that Bliss N Eso now have the technical skills to match their enthusiasm. A duo who began writing good albums now have the tools they need to make very good albums. There are a few bumps here, sure, but in the main this is compelling.