CD Review: Martian Colony – Trajectory

Trajectory is the debut release from the brand new hip-hop group Martian Colony. The group — consisting of G-LA, ERNI, PESO, Uptown, and Gingero19 — was formed under the guidance of record producer Blacky-Amen.

Following in the footsteps of the many that came before them, the album is a collection of melodic raps. The rhymes are catchy, and dare I say in some places actually cute. (Yes, I’m using the word cute while talking about hip-hop.) The rap is backed up with both electronic instrumentation and harmonious hooks both notably delivered.

The concept behind the name Martian Colony is innovative, and they’ve developed a clever marketing campaign around it at the band’s website, which contains streaming MP3s as well as news, and instructions on how to make “the official Martian Colony cocktails” (Non-alcoholic versions also available).

Too bad they didn’t extend that creativity into making the CD, itself. There wasn’t a whole lot on Trajectory that I could get excited about. Not, that it’s bad, it isn’t. There’s just something very familiar about it, very similar to something I’ve heard before … a lot of what I’ve heard before.

There are good points to the music. Most of it is refreshingly non-explicit. Trajectory does have its moments, but it’s quite a contradiction to what is the norm on the current charts. I also enjoyed the harmonious mix between the hooks and the rhymes, but I’ve always had an appreciative ear for harmonies.

“Let It Go,” to me, is the weakest track on the CD. It’s repetitive, not only lyrically but with the musical lines as well. I suppose it’s possible it would be quirky and catchy to some, but the incessant repetition of the hook “let it go” became annoying fast. It does have all the making of a dance hit, and if I were the type to visit clubs on a Saturday night I imagine it would be pounding over the speakers. What it has in strong beats, it lacks in substance.

“105” is the strongest song on Trajectory. Though it contains over used catch phrases, “Got a swagger that would make a grown man cry,” for example, it’s delivered with that strong dance beat that is thematic to the CD. The melodic background vocals are original enough to make up for the “been there done that” which is present in the rhyming rap.

“Upside Yer Head” is another strong track and more original then the others. With this one, it is the rhymes that are unique. The beat is more subtle and it’s not so much the strong club dance number. It is, in fact, an example of what is strongly lacking on the CD, creativity.

If you looking for music that is layered and rich, intricate and unique, or if you’re favorite hip-hop music is violent and contains overly sexual lyrics, then Martin Colony’s Trajectory is not the CD for you. But if you’re looking for a fun, danceable mix of hip-hop rhyme and well delivered pleasant-sounding hooks backed with electronic music, you will probably enjoy this CD.

Track Listing

1. “Let It Go”
2. “Many Days”
3. “Let Me Be Honest”
4. “Don’t Sleep”
5. “105”
6. “Bombs & Fire-Rhythmic”
7. “It’s a Sin”
8. “Upside Yer Head”
9. “Can’t Take No More”
10. “Destiny”
11. “Bombs & Fire”