Review Summary: ''Why should we shoot each other when we might as well kill everyone?''
During the past decade, The Asteroid #4 have proved to be one of the main underground purveyors of idyllic, 60s psychedelia, sometimes mixed with murky shoegaze. As they continue to stay true to the pastiche they provide, the synesthetic factor is at an all time high on their latest, eponymous record. This time the usual sharp riffs share the spotlight alongside Indian instruments like the tabla or sitars, since the band chose to emphasize more on atmosphere rather than loud attacks.
Although 2/3 of the album focuses on moody tunes, there are some great, hazy tracks like 'Revolution Prevail', 'Rukma Vimana' or 'Back Of Your Mind' that are easily entrancing. The fuzzy bass lines and buzzing guitars offer a stark contrast with the heavily reverbed vocals, but the latter showcase how much can they change the overall sound. Without them, these rockers would definitely shift towards a raw, industrial-tinged vibe. 'Rukma Vimana' feature some catchy hooks and interesting rhythm changes in between verses and choruses, often sounding like Anton Newcombe fronting Primal Scream on their acid days. Halfway, it turns into a manic, droning raver that could be at home on
XTRMNTR. Also, the truculent, 'Revolution Prevail' shares some of those cool, classic tremolo leads over a deep, chunky bass line. The guitars soar in the background and the echoed vocals have that powerful, carefree attitude in the delivery, adding a serious punch to the overall result.
Right from day one, Asteroid #4 have always focused just as much on the lush side of psychedelia, if not more. The eerie, labyrinthine tunes found here recall the peak years of the genre, especially the likes of The Byrds and Jefferson Airplane. The main highlights, 'The Windmill Of The Autumn Sky' and 'The River', feature jangly guitars backed by acoustic strums and abstract sound scapes. The gentle voice and waltzing rhythms create a lovely, late summer/early autumn vibe that bears quite a strong impact from the first listen. As the album progresses, the Eastern instruments take over, adding another dimension to the affair. From the mantric 'Mount Meru', low key interlude 'Ode To Cosmo' to the pastoral closer, 'Yuba', these guys offer welcomed touches of the now-iconic Indian instruments. At times, I wonder what took them so long to make this move, since it really complements the whole journey.
The Asteroid #4 have come a long way since the debut and seem to have found a new inspiration lately to continue their constant forays into psychedelic music. Layering plays a crucial part here and the guys understood there's much to explore in the little details, rather than attempt a more drastic change in style. As a result, this record is a wonderful, casual listen, only because it's loaded with easily digestible cuts that work just as well for newcomers as it does for the old fans.
