ALBUM REVIEW: Embers – God Is An Astronaut
Irish psychedelic rock outfit GOD IS AN ASTRONAUT have just put out their latest album Embers. Formed by brothers Torsten and Niels Kinsella, the band have become easily recognised worldwide by their sounds that are as cinematic as they are dynamic both in the studio and in their live performances. This album is able transport the listener to a variety of places, from locations around the world to your own film with a unique soundtrack.
From start to finish each song exists as its own beautiful, cinematic universe – a fact that’s apparent from the moment first track Apparition opens as a moody alternative rock piece, cinematic in one being able to visualise it as the closing song in the finale of a drama film. Yet things aren’t as they appear when Egyptian music is sampled and blended with that same guitar that matches its composition. One song in, and we’re in awe.
The beauty of this album is how it can remind you of certain locations, actions and soundtracks, whilst being able to sound new and made with the listener in mind – a choose your own adventure if you please. One moment we’re travelling around the world as heard in the aforementioned opener as well as the third track and latest single Odyssey which, as the name suggests, transports you to Greece and more specifically you can imagine yourself riding through the mountains in Assassins Creed Odyssey, one moment on a leisurely ride, the next you’re entering a combat scene.
Along with worldly locations, you also find yourself transported into the world of make believe and epic stories. The title track, for example, places you in a historical fantasy game, as if you’re about to facedown the main boss in a long fight sequence, while Realms places you in a sci-fi universe as one floats through space, thinking back on a dark, tragic event they’ve just witnessed.
For the most part, GOD IS AN ASTRONAUT are completely unique in that there is no other artist one can compare them to, yet there are moments where we’re reminded of the real world when certain riffs or styles feel reminiscent of a certain band. Falling Leaves, for example, whilst mostly focused on bringing in many elements of world music, has an alternative rock section that has a heavy air of MUSE about it.
The only phrase left to describe this record and encourage you to listen to it is ‘cinematic epic’. If you want to escape the real world for an hour, then look no further than Embers.
Rating: 8/10
Embers is out now via Napalm Records.
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