- Seven-piece Brisbane hip hop group Astro Travellers are releasing their debut EP Seven Metaphors on Friday. This is the band's first sizeable offering since they independently released the 7” single My Whole Life / Future Supernova in November of last year, which was also the inaugural release on Brizzy’s own Green Chimneys Records.

Since their formation in mid-2012 (and the gradual accruement of members since then) Astro Travellers have consistently demonstrated their talent at numerous venues around South-East Queensland. Consisting predominantly of jazz students from the Con', their live performances have left me in awe. They’re one of Brisbane’s foremost live, instrumental hip hop groups, but reducing the group’s merit to their training would be myopic. They aren’t just technically proficient; the have surpassed their classical aptitudes (or institutional hang-ups) in lieu of an improvisational feel, whilst remaining dexterous. The Seven Metaphors EP confirms them as act of distinction.

Their sound is smooth and sophisticated. If you’re in need of a reference point listen to Madlib’s one-man-jazz albums for Stones Throw under pseudonyms such as Yesterdays New Quintet and Sound Directions. Like many contemporary hip hop acts, their lax, funky stylings are indebted to the late-great J Dilla. The EP’s atmosphere harks back to the golden era of hip hop, while keeping the production values fresh. The beats are soulful, jazzy and (all importantly) live.

Taking rhyme duties are rappers Ali The Great and Da Cruz The Bandit bringing flows that are laidback but at times fast-paced. The lyricism is atypical of almost all of the Australian hip hop (to their benefit). They don’t tout mateship or getting sloshed ad nauseum; theirs is a different agenda. The sultry, soulful singing of Tiana Khasi compliments the raps, her voice sprinkled throughout the EP. The at-times-oblique words are laid upon the band's formidable rhythm section. Slinky bass, detailed drums and cosmic keys jell cohesively, providing the foundation upon which the vocalists tread.

Although improvisation is intrinsic to the group it is obvious from the recordings that the songs have been laboured over and refined. Compositions have been developed overtime, avenues being explored in rehearsal and performances. Seven Metaphors is the timely culmination of an organic process. Highlights include the instrumental CBW, the coda at the end of Future Supernova, the introduction to Move Actively and the deft time change in Strictly Reserved. All the tracks are eminently listenable; it never feels overcrowded or dense in spite all seven members appearing on the same songs. Mention should also go to DJ Katch (of Resin Dogs), whose scratching features on a number of tracks.

Astro Travellers have produced a record that aptly represents their sound, blending live instrumentation, rapping and singing in an unforced way. For those partial to either hip hop or homegrown talent, I urge you to pick this up.

- Hill Folk.