There are seemingly a wealth of artists who romanticise and fetishize the 60s, but whilst the appeal
of such an era - strong social movements, technological innovation and overwhelming feeling of
liberation, even if slightly misplaced are enticing, it seems many of those bands who champion its
sound do little to push the envelope and break new ground as their heroes did. That is not the case
here - far removed from masturbatory Pet Sounds worship, Beta Band offshoot The Aliens (if you
forget their name don't worry, they'll remind you several times throughout the album) a style
limited by the tools available to it's initial purveyors with slick, lush modern production and
delightfully hazy melodies. Crammed into just an hour are slices of influence picked from every
corner of late 60's rock and psychedelia, tied up in an ornamental Elephant 6-ish bow. No mere
pastiche, Astronomy for Dogs is a whimsical, heartfelt and joyous celebration of a time before ours,
infused with love and affection.
91/100
Highlights: Setting Sun, She Don't Love Me No More, Honest Again
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