I wouldn't use the phrase "think fast" to describe Charlottesville's latest hip local band, Astronomers. The band's songs are mostly slow-paced, but this isn't a bad thing; think Pink Floyd. Astronomers' sound will get you into a groovy zone you won't want to come out of.
While active in the Charlottesville music scene for the past couple of years, Astronomers took a large step last Friday when they released their first official album, Think Fast!. The self-professed science geeks call themselves a mix of Radiohead and Franz Ferdinand. This description works, but their resemblance to Muse is too strong not to mention. Like Muse, Astronomers get inspiration from space. They also rival Muse's seductive voices and striking guitar riffs. Add a trace of the aforementioned Pink Floyd and you have Astronomers. The band is, however, refreshingly unique on the whole.
On most albums, bands seem to randomly order their songs, but Think Fast's six trippy songs transition into each other and follow a natural progression. "Stratagem" impressively opens the album and the experienced guitarists drive the song. The band claims to sink "below the atmosphere" and the space references begin. But fear not - the references are only a little corny and the sultry vocals make up for it.
Astronomers pick up the pace as they groove into "Perpetual Emotion." The hook comes in the guitar melody that often matches the catchy vocals. The band's only setback so far is that their lyrics are sometimes unclear - however, on "The Singularity" - one of the album's highlights - the beat is good for dancing and the vocals are easy to understand.
My favorite is "Or Maybe It's Nothing." Here, Astronomers take a stab at a love song and do it well. The song sounds expertly polished and eliminates some of the album's earlier kinks - namely slowness and a lack of clarity. The melody and vocals are seductive as ever. "Freeze the frame / I'm not sure if I should let you in," they sing. The "don't mess with me" vibe makes it far from your typical love song, yet it still has a relatable message, covering the timeless theme of communication: "I wish I understood you" and "let me do the talking."
While Think Fast only gave me a taste of Astronomers, the six songs got me interested. So hurry - take advantage of this nerdy, trippy combo, get yourself a copy, and blast off into space.
Read More
The best albums of 2014
By Noah Zeidman | December 4, 2014Across genres, it has been a pretty great year in music.
Top 10 movies of 2014
December 4, 2014This has been an excellent year for film, offering everything from gripping blockbusters to innovative personal films.
Iggy Azalea is “Reclassified”
December 4, 2014It has become common practice among music artists to repackage their albums in an effort to simultaneously boost single sales and dish out new content by slightly renaming the album or slapping “Deluxe” onto the title.
