Astral (band) explained

Astral
Origin:	San Francisco, California, United States
Genre:	Shoegazing
Years Active:	1999–present
Website:	http://www.vibraphonerecords.com
Current Members:	Dave Han
Past Members:	John RoblesScott Christy

Astral is a shoegaze group based in San Francisco, California, United States. Astral was formed by singer-guitarist Dave Han and drummer Shawn in 1999; bassist Amy Rosenoff joined them in 2001. Their vocals are frequently compared to those of The Cure; other influences include My Bloody Valentine and Joy Division.^[1] Their music is of an ethereal, melodic nature; this ambient sound is created largely by heavy use of distortion and feedback effects in Han's guitar. Astral are also notable for incorporating improvisation into their live performances.^[2] In 2002, Astral released a self-produced EP, "Only Sometimes". In 2003, Astral released an LP, entitled "Orchids". Two songs from that album, "Raining Down" and the title-track instrumental, were preloaded in the Rio Carbon MP3 Players. In 2008 the band released their second album Sleepwalker.

Current lineup

Dave Han – Vocals, Guitars
Gary Hews – Bass
Mark Shriver – Drums

Original lineup

Dave Han – Vocals, Guitars
Shawn Nakano – Drums, Percussion
Amy Rosenoff – Bass

Discography

Only Sometimes (EP) 2002
Second Stitch (EP) 2002
Orchids 2003
Transmitter (EP) April 2007^[3]
"Turn Me Around" (7" single) 2002
Sleepwalker 2007^[4]
"A Lullaby from Amsterdam" (7" single) 2008^[5]
Excerpts from Down the Rabbit Hole (EP) 2010
Forever After 2010

External links

Notes and References

Web site: Astral Orchids . 2004. splendidzine.com . November 12, 2006 . Matthew Pollesel. https://web.archive.org/web/20061006014749/http://www.splendidezine.com/review.html?reviewid=10897123841114102. October 6, 2006 . live.
Web site: Only Sometimes . December 9, 2006.
Web site: CD Baby Music Store. Store.cdbaby.com. November 20, 2020.
Web site: Prick Magazine – Music. https://web.archive.org/web/20080512215936/http://www.prickmag.net/review_astral.html. dead. May 12, 2008. November 20, 2020.
Web site: astral | Listen and Stream Free Music, Albums, New Releases, Photos, Videos. Myspace.com. April 26, 2015 . November 20, 2020.