 Thank
God For Astronauts
Self-Titled 7"
Best
Friends Records
Genres: indie pop, indie rock, "wimp rock"
Best Friends
PO Box 48214
Denver, CO 80204
Oct 28 - Nov 3 2002 |
In
case you aren't aware, Thank God For Astronauts recently
changed their name from Kudzu Towers, and are now releasing
their debut 7" under their new moniker. And although the label,
Best Friends Records, calls itself the "source for underground
wimp rock," there is nothing wimpy about this record, which
boasts four great tracks.
The first track, "Keen on Idleness," is the perfect
soundtrack to a happy roadtrip with all of your friends. It's very
poppy, but also has a great rockin' feeling to it, and features a
definite New Pornographers influence. Beware, because it's
melody has the catchiness to get itself stuck in your head for days.
"Shovel in a Basement," is a similarly peppy track,
except with a stronger focus on the bass guitar. It is very
reminiscent of early Apples In Stereo material, especially
their old four-track recordings. The song's vocals sound like a cross
between those of The Apples' Robert Schneider and the
rocking voice of Atombombpocketknife's Justin Sinkovich
(oddly enough!).
"Petty And Wise," which starts off side b, is an exciting
tune that will get your head bobbing and your lips moving into a bizarre
semi-circle shape. It's got a great, sugar-sweet chorus that makes
for perfect humming material. Any indie pop fan would be happy with
it... hey, the holdays are coming up...
The record ends with "Counting All Your Stars," a
somewhat dreamy tune that also boasts a strong early-Apples
influence. Though it is less peppy than the other songs, it still fits
in perfectly, and serves to add depth to the record.
Thank God For Astronauts could slip seamlessly onto the
spinART roster, and fans of the label will doubtlessly sense this.
Indie pop fan or not, though, I strongly advise you go out and get
this record, as you'll be supporting a wonderful band that definitely
deserves it. And rest assured, if you do decide to give TGFA a
shot, they will quickly become a permanent staple on your turntable.
87%
Matt Shimmer [Vitals:
4 songs, distributed by the
label, released 2002] |
