Rating: NN
Germany’s Ancient Astronauts – producers Kabanjak and Dogu – have arrived a little late to the ambient instrumental hip-hop party, but what they present on their debut isn’t all bad. Spacey opener From The Sky, UK-grime-infused Dark Green Rod and eerie Middle Eastern-influenced Lost In Marrakesh show that the Astronauts move in interesting directions.
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Unfortunately, much of the album is derivative, predictable and rife with cameos that bring nothing to the table. Even The Pharcyde’s spot on Classic is an exercise in what hip-hop sounded like 10 years ago. By the time we reach All Of The Things You Do, a Rastafarian anthem featuring Tippa Irie, it feels like the Astronauts are culture-appropriating in an attempt to be interesting rather than finding their own sound.
Top track: Lost In Marrakesh
