Review : Ancient Astronauts - We Are To Answer

Independent Music Review


Ancient Astronauts

We Are To Answer by Ancient Astronauts
LABEL: ESL Music  |||  Available Now

For a first release, We Are To Answer is an ambitious one, and Ancient Astronauts live up to the nomadic nature their name suggests. Hailing from Cologne, the production team of Kabanjak and Doguhas have created a familiar yet cosmic sound that permeates the entire album. Spaced-out sound effects and heavy reverb suggest signals coming from a far, far away place.

The tracks are texturally rich, multi-layered and meticulously crafted. Ancient Astronauts' approach at creating this album is similar to the way that Dan the Automator and Danger Mouse produced with the Gorillaz. Many of the tracks are closely identified with hip hop, but We Are To Answer features a diversity of musical styles. "Everybody" is infused with the funky breakbeats, while "Dark Green Rod" borrows heavily from the jungle scene of Britain. The dub/reggae sounds on both "All the Things You Do" and "Surfing the Silvatide" produce a good dose of irie, but are almost outdone by the Arabic/Middle Eastern cues on "Marrakesh." Touches of R&B round out the stylistic twists and turns.

To be able to recruit two members of The Pharcyde to collaborate with says a lot about their talent and how much respect they’ve built in such a short time. For fans of alternative rap, instrumental hip hop, and global sounds, We Are To Answer is definitely worth checking out.

REVIEWED BY PATRICK PALADINO



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From We Are to Answer, "Classic" (w/ The Pharcyde)
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From We Are to Answer, "Everybody"
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