Artist: Airborn AudioTitle: Good FortuneRating: 2 1/2 StarsReviewed by: Max Herman
Its been a few years since the forward-thinking trio Anti-Pop Consortium split, but until now, the critically-acclaimed Beans is the only former member who has successfully arisen from the groups ashes. On Good Fortune (Ninja Tune) Anti-Pops other ex-reps, M Sayyid and High Priest, finally emerge, reintroducing themselves as Airborn Audio. But they do so with a mostly lackluster debut.
In the albums liner notes, M Sayyid shares with High Priest that hes, glad we took our time and didnt rush sh*t. These two obviously arent trying to play catch-up with Beans, which is partially a good thing. But while Airborn Audio did take their time with this album, it doesnt always show. For the most part they drop so-so braggadocio raps and modern yet simple synth-driven beats that often lack the gusto and effortless intricacy Anti-Pop fans may be used to. This isnt always the case, though, as M Sayyid and High Priest absolutely have their moments (most notably the futuristic banger Miami/The Jungle, the eerie minimalist cut House of Mirrors and the positively offbeat My Eyes).
Good Fortune is not a painful aural experience. Yet listening to their low-BPM production plod along can be a bit frustrating, especially knowing that these cats are capable of more. And hearing lines like You know my s###s gonzo / cause I been through more drama than John Leguizamo (M Sayyid On Monday through Sunday) doesnt help. For a group that aims to push the limits, they didnt quite meet their goal here. Some may hear this album and say, without Beans, M Sayyid and High Priest cant make it. I say, wait until the next Airborn album to make any final judgments.