BORN

You occasionally have missed a sign of life from the band Astra? For what I know there's not any official statement available that says they were disbanded. I'm a fan, liked their albums very much, and have seen them live on the stage here in Germany several years ago. Very impressing psychedelic prog oriented music, featuring a proper vintage touch. Now with reason you can say that BIRTH appears on the scene as the distinct and maybe even consequent follow up, much the same as a re-birth. Not totally equal in style, but the general sound is rather similar anyhow. Responsible for that might be the simple fact that at least two current members actually were former Astra members. I'm speaking of Conor Riley (keys, vocals) and Brian Ellis (guitars, keys).

Both most probably are the inspirational force concerning this new project. Drummer Paul Marrone (Cosmic Wheels, Radio Moscow) and Trevor Mast (bass) are completing the quartet. Maybe interesting to know, the four musicians already had worked together beforehand in diverse constellations and on several occasions, exemplarily to note the band Psicomagia. Also, this album is not the first statement delivered by the band. As they already started with a self-named EP in 2021, consisting of three demo tracks. Quasi as a test, in order to check if the music appeals. They must have recognized enough excitement everywhere, well, at least appreciation. Hence the material was considered and then enlarged to a six piece subject matter, their debut album 'Born'.

Regarding the stylistical spectrum the album is really broadened too, hence a highly praised matter in prog circles in the meanwhile. King Crimson influenced for example, exemplarily to hear on Long Way Down. Or being equipped with the more melancholic, fairly smooth and balladesque For Yesterday. And then a compelling rhythm is striking on Cosmic Tears, the album's center- and masterpiece, in between running into a jazzy fast-paced intermezzo. Preferably psychedelic oriented prog lovers with the preference on a retro sound can't fail here. Prosperous and entertaining, way more structured than a jamming matter. Overall the extraordinary lush supply of keyboard stuff marks a massive benefit, be it Hammond organ, Mellotron or synthesizer.