Sleepwalker by Astral

Album Name: Sleepwalker
Artist: Astral
Year/Label: 2007 / Vibraphone Records

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Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

I downloaded this one from a Digital Servicing company because it was a “RIYL: The Cure” and for once those recommendations make sense. It does remind me of The Cure. I wouldn’t say the vocals are 100% Robert Smithy but the arrangements and melodies are close. But they also remind me of The Church and perhaps other great 80s bands, especially on the track, Waterfall. That repetitive guitar line screams The Church.

For me, this is more background music, for either vegging out or a mellow party mood maker. Not something I’d listen to in the car, for example.

But it’s cool. It’s also two years old according to CDBaby, and their website has disappeared since I downloaded this. That’s odd. I’d say the band is going through somewhat of a change. Perhaps they just got signed and the record is a re-release. Either way…

It’s good if you like this sort of music and more fulfilling and less background-y if you play it loud or with headphones cuz there’s a lot going on there. I’m still not sure why we need another Cure or The Church, but if we do, this is fits the bill.

Track Listing
1. Cracked
2. Waterfall
3. Transmitter
4. Hindsight
5. A Lullaby From Amsterdam
6. Ways and Means
7. In Circles
8. Winters in May
9. White Tigers
10. Sleepwalker

[Astral MySpace]

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