Astral (US)
A soundscape of texture and noise, with an abrasive yet biological guitar, grounded by a deliberate heavy percussion and tethered by solid basslines, *astral* blends the elements of the emotion, melody, and mystery of humanity in a less than rosey-colored world. Influences from the shoegaze wall of sounds of My Bloody Valentine to the overshadowed post-punk minimalism of Joy Division.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
Astral formed in late 1999. Shawn (drums) and Dave (guitar/vocal) have been working together on and off since late 1995. Amy completed the lineup on bass. Astral's first gig was jan 2001 at the Stork Club and have since had a consistent stream of primarily local gigs 1-3 times a month, playing with local bands such as Loquat, and the Junior Panthers. Astral has been interviewed on UC Dominican's Penguin Radio with station manager, John Baker (feb 2002). The self- produced debut EP, Only Sometimes, was released on March 23, 2002 at a Tower Records (SF) in-store performance, and is currently available at Amoeba Music on Haight St (SF) and Mod Lang on University Ave (Berkeley) or from the band directly. Astral has received radio play on various college stations in the US, as well as abroad from Russia, Norway, and as far south as Peru. Astral's largest gig was for a UC Santa Cruz festival (may 2002) performing for an audience of about 1000+ and have supported some more established bands and musicians such as David J of Love and Rockets/ Bauhaus, Inner with Jennifer Turner of Natalie Merchant's band, and Mr. North produced by Jerry Harrisson of the Talking Heads/ Modern Lovers, as well as headlined their own shows at Cafe Du Nord, Big Heart City, 330 Ritch, and Edinburgh Castle among many others. Online reviews are available at www.wargorl.com or http://mitglied.tripod.de/DreamsNeverEnd/original.htm). Astral has recently worked on a recording for a collaboration called Thorn Apple with Shawn Brice of Bloodwire and Battery, as well as a free 3-song promo which will be given out in anticipation for the uncoming full length CD, due Spring 2003.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
Yes, we play live quite a lot in the San Francisco area and have a great time doing it. Our first gig was for a party which ended in a huge birthday cake fight!
Your musical influences
Influences include but not limited to: Sonic Youth, the Cure, U2, Echo and the Bunnymen, New Order, the Chameleons, Sigur Ros, Slowdive, My Bloody Valentine, Velvet Underground, Jesus and Mary Chain, Pixies, Lush, Cocteau Twins
What equipment do you use?
Mosrite guitars, Fender jazz bass, Yamaha drums, TR-606, Boss effects, Fender blues deville, Ampeg
