Review Summary: Andrew Ferraro and co. offer one of the best indie releases of the year
Astronauts, etc. is a relatively new band to the scene. Although briefly appearing as a brief blip on people’s radars back in 2014 with an EP, Mind Out Wandering is where the act will truly make a name for itself. The product of brainchild, Andrew Ferraro, better known as the touring keyboardist for popular indie act Toro Y Moi, Astronauts, etc. offer up one of the best indie releases of the year.
The background leading up to Mind Out Wandering is almost as impressive as the album itself. The tumultuous history of Ferraro's musical journey dates back to childhood. At an early age, Ferraro was diagnosed with a rare form of arthritis that kept him from participating in most forms of physical activity and sports. To fill this gap, he took up piano. Throughout his teenage years, Ferraro continued playing with formal training and eventually ended up majoring in musicology at Berkeley University. In 2010 he earned a scholarship from Baylor to join their piano performance program, but had to forfeit this position due to the arthritis flaring up again. Discouraged with the reality that he would have to give up his aspirations of being a professional concert pianist, Ferraro moved back in with his parents to weigh his options. During this time, he began experimenting with programs like Ableton Pro, writing dreamy synth pop that would eventually be released at the urging of his friends under the moniker Astronauts, etc. These bedroom recordings resulted in single Mystery Colors back in 2012, which quickly climbed to #1 on Hype Machine's most blogged artist chart. Eventually Ferraro ended up moving back to southern California to finish out his degree, where he crossed paths with Toro Y Moi’s Chaz Bundick, who had just recently moved from South Carolina. The pair met when Bundick came into the coffee shop Ferraro worked at. Through this chance encounter the two quickly became good friends, and only a year later, with the help of medication, Ferraro began touring with the band. Now in 2015, Ferraro and co. have released their debut album, which Ferraro calls a record of a strange year in his life.
Mind Out Wandering was classically recorded in analog, giving the album a warm and vibrant sound that truly shines when played on vinyl. The album takes influences from a wide array of genres including modern guitar rock, to 70s R&B, and of course the classically trained background of Ferraro. The live-recorded instrumental base gives a rich textured sound, that is accented by airy falsettos and laid back guitar grooves. The warm production and jazzy drum beats provide an excellent platform for Ferraro’s soulful crooning, reminiscent to the slower side of the Bee Gees.
A main component of the album’s sound comes from the synth and piano arrangements. These sections sometimes make up the main melody of a song, and become a driving force that gives off an almost chamber pop feel when they allowed to come to the forefront. Other times these arrangements are more subdued, falling into the background creating dreamy soundscapes that wander around the other instruments reminiscent to the album’s title. This isn't to say that the other instruments are a weak point, but often times they do take a backseat mainly serving as a platform for Ferraro's piano playing and smooth airy vocals. The jazzy drumming and funk influenced baselines make up a solid rhythm section propelling the songs forward, while the guitar noodles it's way around this base in an almost free form jazz like fashion. There are a few solid riffs throughout, and it's obvious that the guitarist knows what he's doing, but he opts for adhering to the whole, rather than stealing the spotlight with virtuosity. The bassist adds tinges of funk influence that give the songs an edge and keeps things interesting, while drummer cements the rest of the band by providing jazzy fills. The beauty of the live recording is that you can clearly hear each members influence. The chemistry between the band is very tight, and at times you can almost hear them just jamming and building off each other, which gives a very natural and relaxed atmosphere.
Lyrically, Mind Out Wandering is a concept album of sorts. The album details Ferraro’s experiences meeting his future wife and falling in love. Although the songs could be written off as simple love songs, Ferraro does so in a way that avoids the cliché trappings of the subject matter by utilizing a metaphorically abstract lens, and burying his words in poetic musing.
Overall, Mind Out Wandering is an outstanding debut that will more than likely appear on many end of the year lists. Here Ferraro not only accomplishes his dream of being a professional pianist, but overcomes a crippling disease as well. The talent on display is sure to turn more than a few heads, and it will be a pleasure seeing what Astronauts, etc. follows up with on future releases.
