Astronomy Class

Editorial

Astronomy Class's debut album was a breath of fresh air in local hip hop circles. Eschewing the two categories local hip hop releases usually fall into (beers and bongs/hippy nonsense), the LP took a road less traveled. Helmed by Sir Robbo and Chasm on the production, with Ozi Batla on the mic, Exit Strategy was all about fusing reggae soundscapes with homegrown hip hop. Released in 2007, the album sounded like nothing else around and several tracks received Triple J airplay - among them A Bright Tomorrow, Done The Sums and Rewind The Tape. Naturally, the group toured throughout the country in support.

Two years later, Astronomy Class are back with their follow-up LP, Pursuit of Happiness. Once again, it finds the Sydney based threesome melding reggae and dub influences with hip hop. This time round they're joined by several guest vocalists and musicians, including The Tongue, Diafrix, Kween G (KillaQueenz) and Ash Grunwald. The formula might not be as revolutionary as it was a couple of years back, but the group still puts on one of the best live shows in the business.
Mikolai, April 2009