Bliss N Eso - Circus In The Sky (13/08/2013)
The bold, ambitous and larger-than-life Circus In The Sky LP from BLISS N ESO “is 100% straight up uncut raw shit”.
These are Bliss's words on House of Dreams, and an apt description of Circus in its entirety.
The epic 17-song album reads like a who's-who-in-the-zoo – featuring revered Aussie artsts like Sarah Blasko, Bluejuice, Daniel Merriweather, and very special international guest, US hip-hop king Nas.
This is to make no mention of the Aussie hip-hop heavyweights showcase that is Reservoir Dogs. The two main events are joined by mates 360, Pez, Seth Sentry and Drapht for a high-energy display of lyrical finesse and homegrown beats, that is tongue-in-cheek and frankly a whole lot of fun.
On these merits alone, even the most pretentious of hip-hop appreciators can't begrudge the success of artists such as Bliss N Eso, whose work supports the local music scene to this extent.
By the way, Bliss – Executive Producer of Circus In The Sky – alongside his partner-in-crime Eso, sound bloody good in the midst of these superstar collaborations.
Circus begins with Charlie Chaplin's famous monologue from Oscar-nominated dramedy The Great Dictator (1940). Chaplin's performance is a spine-tingling execution of political Power-to-the-People poetry, as relevant in Australia's currently hostile climate as in the World War II era of a stifling global regime.
Chaplin assures us that human beings “want to live by each other's happiness, not by each other's misery”, and indeed this is the message carried throughout Circus by Bliss, Eso and friends.
The opening track, simply titled Unite, proclaims it is people who have “the power to create happiness/ the power to make this life free and beautiful/ to make this life a wonderful adventure”.
What unfolds on Circus In The Sky is life's proof of this sentiment – stories of family comforts (Home Is Where The Heart Is), the solidarity of mateship, and the natural highs from living (Can't Get Rid of This Feeling), which features the rough-edged blues belt of Merriweather.
There are potentially cheesy moments and super-camp vibes – such as in the lyrical content of Jungle, which is a re-imagining of Emma Louise's breakout Triple J Unearthed hit.
Circus In The Sky is unapologetic; it's life-affirming, and who could say no to a hit of feel-good party vibes?
From the sweet nostalgia of My Life, to the inspirational rags-to-riches Life's Midnight, through to the soothing ballad I Feel Free, Bliss N Eso offer an album of hope, positivity and frequently, wisdom.
This pearl comes from Nas, who in silver tones enlightens us: “Ramadan taught me to use the mind more – though I'm not religious”. A global treasure with renowned flow and lyrical sophistication, his verse on Circus will not disappoint.
House of Dreams is the theatrical album closer – its grandiose theme song and crescendo. Sweeping choruses and an uplifting message, which is delivered from the start of Circus to the final chords of House of Dreams, advocate the power of human unity and the joys of a peaceful life.
To sum up Circus In The Sky, I best quote an eloquent affirmation of Pale Blue Dot: “It's all Love round here/ Cos we don't give a fuck about Fear”.
Peace out...
Rebecca McCann
These are Bliss's words on House of Dreams, and an apt description of Circus in its entirety.
The epic 17-song album reads like a who's-who-in-the-zoo – featuring revered Aussie artsts like Sarah Blasko, Bluejuice, Daniel Merriweather, and very special international guest, US hip-hop king Nas.
This is to make no mention of the Aussie hip-hop heavyweights showcase that is Reservoir Dogs. The two main events are joined by mates 360, Pez, Seth Sentry and Drapht for a high-energy display of lyrical finesse and homegrown beats, that is tongue-in-cheek and frankly a whole lot of fun.
On these merits alone, even the most pretentious of hip-hop appreciators can't begrudge the success of artists such as Bliss N Eso, whose work supports the local music scene to this extent.
By the way, Bliss – Executive Producer of Circus In The Sky – alongside his partner-in-crime Eso, sound bloody good in the midst of these superstar collaborations.
Circus begins with Charlie Chaplin's famous monologue from Oscar-nominated dramedy The Great Dictator (1940). Chaplin's performance is a spine-tingling execution of political Power-to-the-People poetry, as relevant in Australia's currently hostile climate as in the World War II era of a stifling global regime.
Chaplin assures us that human beings “want to live by each other's happiness, not by each other's misery”, and indeed this is the message carried throughout Circus by Bliss, Eso and friends.
The opening track, simply titled Unite, proclaims it is people who have “the power to create happiness/ the power to make this life free and beautiful/ to make this life a wonderful adventure”.
What unfolds on Circus In The Sky is life's proof of this sentiment – stories of family comforts (Home Is Where The Heart Is), the solidarity of mateship, and the natural highs from living (Can't Get Rid of This Feeling), which features the rough-edged blues belt of Merriweather.
There are potentially cheesy moments and super-camp vibes – such as in the lyrical content of Jungle, which is a re-imagining of Emma Louise's breakout Triple J Unearthed hit.
Circus In The Sky is unapologetic; it's life-affirming, and who could say no to a hit of feel-good party vibes?
From the sweet nostalgia of My Life, to the inspirational rags-to-riches Life's Midnight, through to the soothing ballad I Feel Free, Bliss N Eso offer an album of hope, positivity and frequently, wisdom.
This pearl comes from Nas, who in silver tones enlightens us: “Ramadan taught me to use the mind more – though I'm not religious”. A global treasure with renowned flow and lyrical sophistication, his verse on Circus will not disappoint.
House of Dreams is the theatrical album closer – its grandiose theme song and crescendo. Sweeping choruses and an uplifting message, which is delivered from the start of Circus to the final chords of House of Dreams, advocate the power of human unity and the joys of a peaceful life.
To sum up Circus In The Sky, I best quote an eloquent affirmation of Pale Blue Dot: “It's all Love round here/ Cos we don't give a fuck about Fear”.
Peace out...
Rebecca McCann