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Biography
Comprised of school friends Jonathan Motley (MC Bliss), Max MacKinnon (MC Eso), and Tarik Ejjamai (DJ Izm), Bliss N Eso was originally formed as Bliss N Esoterikizm in 2000. Upon forming, the group released their debut EP “The Arrival”, followed shortly afterwards by a promotional mixtape. Bliss N Eso subsequently honed their live performance skills playing around the Sydney area and trying to court labels to secure future releases. In 2004, after signing with Obese Records, the group issued their debut full-length “Flowers in the Pavement”. The record earned Bliss N Eso an Artist of the Year nomination at the 2004 Music Oz Awards and a supporting slot opening for 50 Cent on his “Get Rich or Die Tryin’” tour.
The trio subsequently switched labels to Illusive Sounds ahead of their sophomore release, “Day of the Dog”, which arrived in March 2006. The album marked Bliss N Eso first forays into the Australian charts and saw “Day of the Dog” rise to No. 45, aided by the singles “Up Jumped the Boogie” and “Party at My Place” featuring Motley. This generated the group considerable momentum moving forward and led to the release of their third studio album, “Flying Colours”, in April 2008. Charting at No. 10 on the Australian Albums Chart, “Flying Colours”, features the 20-strong African Zulu Choir, The Zulu Connections, as well as Debaser, Hyjack, and Phrase.
In 2010 Bliss N Eso enjoyed their greatest success to date with their No. 1 album “Running on Air”. Released in July 2010, the platinum selling album earned a string of positive reviews and spawned the singles “Addicted”, “Down by the River”, and “Reflections”. The band were able to match this success on their subsequent 2013 album, “Circus in the Sky”, which also found the top spot on the Australian Albums Chart. Aided by the single “House of Deams”, “Home Is Where The Heart Is”, and Reservoir Dogs”, the album features the likes of Nas, Seth Sentry and transformed Bliss N Eso into a household name.
Live reviews
You usually don't expect to see a piano or violins featured center stage at a hip hop concert but that's just one thing that separates Bliss N Eso from more traditional acts. Unconventional as it may seem, the shows are quite enjoyable and are unlike anything you might have seen before.
The lyrics are at least on par with other hip hop artists as the rappers work together quite well to build vocal melodies. The Australian group consists of only three actual members but are often accompanied by other musicians ranging anywhere from the aforementioned piano or violin to rock guitars and singers. This mix of several different genres gives the music a unique taste that nevertheless feels familiar enough to be approachable and somehow never loses its core focus of rap and hip hop.
The performance is at times lower key and at times more pronounced than is typical of the hip hop scene. When the piano or other instruments are playing and the lights are down, there is a more serene sense and the crowd responds with the modern equivalent of holding their lighters in the air, holding up their smartphones. But when the chorus is reached and the music fades and the rap turns hard core, the phones disappear and the dark stage is lit up by a pyrotechnics and light show usually more at home during a rock anthem.
A bit disappointed, i just felt the set of songs wasn't right, they should have played more the tracks that have a greater depth and meaning. The group it self just seemed to be going through the motions. Glad i went however wasn't particularly wowed by the night. 6/10.
alristo
B & E let it rip from the start till the end, one of the best performances I have seen from them. The crowd was at frenzy point throughout the concert. Don't leave it another 2 years boys..
Pa99word
Seeing Bliss N Eso on their first ever show for their Off The Grid tour was epic! Wildest show I've ever been to. Bliss n Eso tear the roof off every time the perform. Rock n roll baby!
maryrosegavan98
Epic! Best concert I've ever been too. The guys did amazing. Perfect play list. Interacted with the crowd. Worth every cent. A night I'll never forget. Great venue and atmosphere
holly-gosnay-yin
