dave han - vocals / guitar
sam black - bass
mark loftin - drums
Influences
the subconscious stream
Sounds Like
the cure, slowdive, my bloody valentine, ride, bauhaus, joy division, the cranes, wire, cocteau twins, killing joke, echo and the bunnymen, siouxsie and the banshees
"San Francisco based Astral have deep rooted influences in Joy Division and My Bloody Valentine, as proven by their full-length debut, Orchids. Dave Han (vocal/guitar) has a whispering approach that cuts to the heart while every other sense is swirling in an array of dreaminess. Turn Me Around is Astrals Only Shallow, a stereo assault of bleeding feedback and driving post-punk percussion courtesy of Shawn Poh. Other standout tracks include Blinder, the affecting Orchids, and Under Lock And Key, all showcasing a very 4AD bent to shoegaze. Astral could easily fit onto a Merge, Matador, or 4AD roster, because theyre the essence of dream rock, stuck in the late 80s and playing their reverbed hearts out. Orchids has a very classic tone to it while representing the face of what modern shoegaze has become. I like this little 3-piece, and hopefully I wont be the only one." - The Black and White Magazine
BRAND NEW 7" single from Astral for 2009!!! limited edition on lilac marbled vinyl released on Vibraphone! Only 100 numbered copies were pressed and 50 of those come in a deluxe box including buttons, pictures, and other surprises. The single features "A Lullaby from Amsterdam" b/w "Inside You, Inside Me", a previously unreleased b-side exclusive to this release!
"SLEEPWALKER", the latest FULL LENGTH ALBUM from ASTRAL is AVAILABLE HERE NOW! Vibraphone Records is proud to present the new full length album from Astral, titled “Sleepwalker“. The band’s 6th release is the long awaited second full length album from the San Francisco based band featuring 10 brand new songs recorded since their debut album, “Orchids”, which charted CMJ 200 in 2004, as well as numerous top 10 radio station charts such as KEXP, KYMC, KFJC, among many others.
“Sleepwalker” chronicles the next evolutionary stage of the band’s distinguished sound, formerly quoted from reviewers as “shoegaze with a post-punk edge” or “My Bloody Valentine meets the Cure“. The album is dynamic with polyrhythmic, acoustic songs such as “Hindsight”, ethereal, psychedelic melodies driven by analog beats as in “A Lullaby from Amsterdam”, and has driven, angular punchy songs such as “Cracked”. The undertone of the album is romantically dark with an occasional excursion into the melancholy. With this new release, unlike so many recordings today, Astral maintains their tradition in sonic integrity by recording solely with 8-track analog tape and therefore no digital editing was used.
Track list :
cracked
waterfall
transmitter
hindsight
a lullaby from amsterdam
ways and means
in circles
winters in may
white tigers
sleepwalker
THE "TRANSMITTER" EP IS AVAILABLE HERE!!!
This 4-song EP features 3 brand new tracks, "transmitter", "in circles", and "yesterday's calling" + a live version of "forbidden kiss" previously unreleased. This release is the first in a 3 part EP series.
Release date: April 2007. This is a very limited production and will not last long, only $4.99 (CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO PURCHASE)
Physical copies of the full length debut album by Astral, "Orchids" is officially sold out, BUT is currently available on iTunes! 10 songs featuring "blinder", "turn me around", "barreling", among others. Please visit Projekt or Tonevendor for any last remaining physical CD copies! And don't forget to check eBay!
The first 7" single for "Turn Me Around" b/w "Bloomer" is also available here on myspace. Limited pressing of 200 copies on clear vinyl. Only $2.99 (CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO PURCHASE)
Physical copies of the first 2 EPs, "Only Sometimes" and "Second Stitch" are currently sold out, but mp3s of "Only Sometimes" are now available through CDBaby.
