Astra - The Black Chord (Metal Blade/Rise Above)
In number 19 of the best albums of 2012, yet another progressive rock masterpiece, this time from American prog rockers Astra in their second album. Immediately, the characteristic style of
Astra's modern space rock meets classic 70s prog, is prominent.
'Cocoon' begins with solar winds and ambience building into a mellowness that welcomes you into the album and lets you know what you are in for! It segues straight into the mammoth 'The Black Chord' that is a
mosaic of colour and
musical motion, with Piano keys reminiscent of early Pink Floyd tunes. 'Quake Meat' is an astonishing prog orgasmatron, starting with a rapid awesome riff, exploding into a full on psychedelic trip. 'Drift' begins wit a minimalist intro as softened vocals sweetly blend
over, being an interlude piece. 'Bull Torpis' is an instrumental with an excellent blend of keyboard and guitar 70s sounds. 'Barefoot In The Head' is a tribute to Pink Floyd with lyrics clearly alluding to the legendary band and musically building into their legacy to finish out the album with a hell of a song!
This is an album that grows on the listener and is truly inspirational on showing how music can sound contemporary and yet remain genuinely reverent to the golden sound of the 70s.
93/100
Below the audio track for Quake Meat.
This is an album that grows on the listener and is truly inspirational on showing how music can sound contemporary and yet remain genuinely reverent to the golden sound of the 70s.
93/100
Below the audio track for Quake Meat.
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