Today we have a bloody lovely treat from Astronauts, etc in the form of his debut album, Mind Out Wandering. Take a trip with the space cadet Anthony Ferraro and let your mind wander through this relaxed, gorgeous release.
The album points to influences from soul and modern indie rock, through to funk rhythms (direct from touring duties with Toro Y Moi), sixties pop (like The Beatles), and vocal nods in the direction of recent Daniel Johns. Ferraro describes the release as a year of falling in love while trying to keep it together, and whilst he’s tried to render his experience abstractly through his lyrics, your heart almost aches with him on the beautiful ‘No Justice’, i.e. “There’s no justice for the ones that fall in love”
The album picks up the beat and funk when we get to ‘Eye to Eye’, perfect for dancing on a beach somewhere, and then there’s ‘Shake It Loose’ with its glittery, relaxing vibes that will convince you that you could slow-dance away your problems. Ferraro turns up the soul and heartache when we get to ‘Up for Grabs’, and explores self-sabotage with the abrupt ballad ‘Control’.
I’m a modern kind of girl but I love that Ferraro’s classical training shines through in all aspects of the writing and production of this album, and through the various tracks he shares different parts of his musical experience with us, be it influences from decades ago, his touring days with Toro Y Moi, or successes from previous releases like his 2014 EP, Sadie.
Mind Out Wandering is a truly personal experience and a beautifully crafted album.
Rating: ★★★★
Mind Out Wandering will hit the shelves on September 18, but you can pre-order it now via Hit City Records.
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