THE WEIRDING

Essentially- boring psychedelic retro rock. Not prog in my terms. Astra is essentially a band that recreates 70's music but does it poorly, since there isn't anything notable or interesting about it (IMO). Other bands in this category include Wolfmother and Diagonal (and others). Astra rank very low on my list because they are hardly listenable. Beardfish isn't included because they have taken the time to carefully examine their influence and their influence's influences, it shows in their music.

The only thing good about the album is the timbre. There is plenty of mellotron, which is wonderful, but it is poorly utilized. There aren't many variations in the chords, but it sounds beautiful- since it's a damn mellotron. There isn't anything to be noted about the guitar playing... or bass playing.. or drumming.. The lyrics are ... urghghg. Gross.

If Astra can "feel" Yes' or Pink Floyd's music more than their own. An artist needs to take everything they like in music and improve it and add their own elements. Have they done that? I certainly hope they do not feel confident.. If they do feel 100% satisfied in their music, then good for them. This is a downgrade of progressive influence.