Astral (band)

Infobox musical artist
Name = Astral


Img_capt = (Astral in concert)
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Origin = San Francisco, California
Genre = Dream pop| Shoegazing
Years_active = 1999 - present
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URL = http://www.astralsf.com|http://www.astralsf.com]
Current_members = Dave Han
Shawn Poh
Amy Rosenoff
Past_members =
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Astral is a dream pop group based in San Francisco, California. Astral was formed by singer-guitarist Dave Han and drummer Shawn Poh in 1999; bassist Amy Rosenoff joined them in 2001. Their vocals are frequently compared to those of The Cure; other influences include My Bloody Valentine and Joy Division [cite web | url=http://www.splendidezine.com/review.html?reviewid=10897123841114102 | year=2004| title=Astral Orchids | work=splendidzine.com | accessdate=2006-11-12 | author=Matthew Pollesel] . Their music is of an ethereal, melodic nature; this ambient sound is created largely by heavy use of distortion and feedback effects in Han's guitar. Astral are also notable for incorporating improvisation into their live performances [ cite web | url=http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/astralmusic |title=Only Sometimes |accessdate=2006-12-09] . In 2002, Astral released a self-produced EP, "Only Sometimes". In 2003, Astral released an LP, entitled "Orchids". Two songs from that album, "Raining Down" and the title-track instrumental, were preloaded in the Rio Carbon MP3 Players.

Current Lineup

* Dave Han - vocals, guitars
* Scott Christy - drums/vocals/theremin
* Gary Hews - bass
* John Robles - guitar/keys

Original Lineup

* Dave Han - vocals, guitars
* Shawn Poh - drums, percussion
* Amy Rosenoff - bass (currently bass player for Veil Veil Vanish)

Discography

*"Only Sometimes" (EP) 2002
*"Second Stitch" (EP)
*"Orchids" 2004
*"Transmitter" (EP) April 2007 [ [http://cdbaby.com/cd/astralmusic3 CD Baby: ASTRAL: Transmitter ] ]
*"Turn Me Around" (EP)
*"Sleepwalker (the Astral album)" 2008 [ [http://www.prickmag.net/review_astral.html Prick Magazine - Music ] ]

External links

* [http://astralsf.com/ Official Website]
* [http://www.myspace.com/astral Myspace]

Notes