Astronautalis -
This Is Our Science (2011)
This might actually be a top contender for my hip hop album of the year, or at least in my top three, which is kind of funny because it's not exclusively a hip hop album. It's about half hip hop, half indie rock and all around awesome. When Andy gets into his groove he really rides it well and with a deep passion, yet not in the same way that other emcees like Immortal Technique. His flow has really improved since
Pomegranate and he really has flourished into his own unique sound. The thing that really helps him stand apart from other emcees is his ability to sing, an ability he knows and lives to flaunt as much as possible. For all the awesome hip hop songs, there's going to be a piano based song that sounds like a blend of Tom Waits and Elliott Smith, which may seem out of place, but he manages to make it work. The album features a number of very noticeable guest spots like Doomtree emcees P.O.S. and Sims on the second track and the sexy Tegan Quin on the 7th song "Contrails". This is definitely an album that you will want to check out if you're into indie hip hop, indie rock, or recognize any of the influences/ guest spots, it will not disappoint.