BAND PROFILE: ASTRAL

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BAND PROFILE: ASTRAL

June 25th 2008 16:53

The members

Back when Astral started up in 2000, it was a three-piece band. It then consisted of Dave Han (playing guitar & vocals) along with Shawn Poh (on drums), and Amy Rosenoff (playing bass). The line up changed slightly in 2005, when Ralph De La Rosa took over the drum-playing role. In 2006, Scott Christy picked up the drums for the band and Chris Beltran added some extra bass. The following year saw the departure of both Amy & Chris, and the arrival of Psam/ Paul Skibitzke providing the bass and John Robles offering guitar and keys. The current (June 2008) line-up kept Dave, Scott and John, with the bass now provided by Gary Hews.

The melody

Described as everything from Alternative, Indie, Goth, Shoe-Gaze, Post-Punk, Psychedelic, 80's Style, Dark, Ethereal and Dreamlike, Astral's music is supposedly akin to such well-known bands as Joy Division, The Cure, and My Bloody Valentine. I would personally describe their sound as deep, dark and drifting boom-bop, or possibly as SF style perfected atmospherics with Post-Brit 80s-era gloom-bounce. I oftentimes drift away into the musical ambiance and find their music relaxing and inspiring, akin to a friendly cocoon hugging tight to my ears. When I specifically listen to the lyrics, I am not disappointed here, either. Far from mainstream mumbo-jumbo, the words are also worth full attention if you can drag your ears away from the music long enough to concentrate on them. I have yet to hear a track that I do not like from this band!

The music

Several EP's & Albums, and a 7" single have been released over the years.
RECORD LABEL: Vibraphone Records - Indie

2002 - 2005
Only Sometimes - EP - 2002
Turn Me Around - 7" single - 2002
Second Stitch - EP - 2003
Orchids ALBUM - 2003
Thorn Apple Compilation - Double Comp. CD of cover songs - 2004
Tonvendor Test Tones Compilation Vol 4 - Comp CD - 2005

2007-
Transmitter - EP - 2007
Sleepwalker - ALBUM - 2007

The miracles

Reported as having made the local radio station top ten charts, Astral use 8-track analog taping to record their CD's. Astral have played tons of venues about town, including Dave's personal favorite, Caf Du Nord. Astral are also popular overseas, with interest reportedly shown worldwide from England, Germany, Norway, Australia, Russia & Peru.

The messages

WEB: www.myspace.com/astral
WEB: Really Long Link
INTERVIEW: Really Long Link
INTERVIEW: San Francisco Music Vibes of the 2000s
(book Copyright 2005 - available from www.lulu.com/winterbear)
& see the SLEEPWALKER album review right here @ sfmn.com!

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