Macromantics - Moments In Movement (Kill Rock Stars, 2006)

Modern commercial hip-hop, for the most part, is formulaic, unintelligent and boring. Macromantics, on the other hand, is anything but formulaic (a female MC from Australia, anyone?), is highly intelligent, and employs esoteric beats and production to keep your head bouncing and your feet moving, while the rhymes snake their way through your mind.
Macromantics (aka Romy Hoffman) is an awesome addition to an already strong independent hip-hop scene that has been slowly, but surely, gathering momentum over the past few years. Her album would sit comfortably amongst the best releases of the Def Jux label, as well as those of fellow female MC Jean Grae - who memorably lent her skills to The Herbalizer's 2005 album, Take London.
Working outside the mainstream, has allowed Macromantics to create a sound as individual as it is impressive. Her rhyming skills are beyond question, and on tracks such as the awesome Miss Macro she has no fear in telling it how it is. Further highlights include the album's title track, the up-tempo Scorch, and the re-working of Australian band Ground Components' Dark Side Of Dallas.
I was lucky enough to catch Macromantics' awesome live show last week in LA. On the basis of that show I headed straight to a record store the following day and picked up the album. It has barely left my stereo since, and shows no sign of giving up its position any time soon.

Check Out: http://www.myspace.com/macromantics