After collaborating with members of the Twin Cities own hip-hop powerhouse, Doomtree, a lonely drifter by the name of Astronautalis finally settled in his new home in Minneapolis. Along with his move, he decided to unveil his fourth album, This Is Our Science. Beginning with raucous “The River, The Woods,” the rapper establishes that he has followed the Mississippi river back home surrounded by an angry sea of cymbal crashes. From there, he tells stories of his travels: from finding love against vending machines (Secrets on Our Lips), dealing with mortality (Holy Water) and finally concluding at the sticky bar counter top with “Lift the Curse” as he expresses his regrets over the heavy synth soundscape that closes the album with the feeling of passing out to the comfort of the bar floor.

One listen to the album and it is clear to see that Astronautalis is not your typical emcee. Drawing upon the influence of Louie Armstrong and Billy Joel, the Jacksonville raised rapper brings together the vintage raspy blues with poetic raps as well as playing the role of the singing piano man on “Measure the Globe.” With help from the mastermind behind the sounds of Modest Mouse and St. Vincent, John Cogelton, and contributions from Alias and Doomtree’s own P.O.S., Lazerbeak, Sims and Cecil Otter; This Is Our Science nestles perfectly on the border of hip hop and backwater rock. So get ready because it is finally time to welcome this weary traveler to the neighborhood and listen to the stories he has to tell.