Album Review by Mark Bayross
UK trance outfit Astralasia have been knocking out albums at a quickfire rate for a decade or so, evolving from the crusty festival scene of the late eighties and early nineties (as part of the Magic Mushroom Band) to the altogether more polished sound of 1998’s WHITE BIRD.
With Swordfish (Mark to his Mum) at the controls and Mel as diva frontwoman, they have crafted a sound that would undoubtedly translate well to the clubs. Much of the album blends spacey samples and goa beats similar to early Juno Reactor, while there are some moments of darkwave menace in tracks like HER MAJESTIES.
Although SHINE breaks the mould with some Orb-style dub, there isn’t really enough variety here to give this the crossover appeal to become a massive hit, but then I doubt Astralasia really want to become the new Faithless.
So, no Top Of The Pops for Swordfish and co. yet, but no doubt they’ll continue to produce solid, danceable albums like this.
