Album Notes

Astral’s brand new 2007 EP release, “Transmitter” is the band’s 5th release and much anticipated follow-up to the debut full-length album, “Orchids”. “Orchids” charted on the CMJ 200 in 2004 heralding a sound that has been referred to as “post-punk with a shoegaze bend” in numerous reviews. This new collection of songs is a teaser for the next phase of evolution and maturation of the sound. While sustaining a blend of drifty dream-pop guitar and dynamic drum compositions that remain hallmarks of the San Francisco-based band’s definitive sound, the songs carve a new facet into what can be called dark indie-pop. Unlike their earlier sound, described by some reviewers as “My Bloody Valentine meets the Cure”, “Transmitter” takes a step further with its own signature sound in the crevices of the stylistically saturated music today.
The title track is fueled by a sonically aggressive drive, but is balanced with subtlety and sensitivity. “In Circles” is ominous and dreamy with a melancholic tenderness, while “Yesterday’s Calling” shares some similar, but darker themes with a raw feel.