Insight & Critique
  • DAC
  • Indie Music Album Reviews
  • About
  • Submissions
  • Top albums
  • Features
  • Contact

Astronomer - When I Leave

6/11/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
Astronomer

When I Leave
self-released; 2015

3.2 out of 5


By Ted Rogen

The duo of Alex Ownejazayeri (vocals/guitar) and Scott Malmberg (vocals/guitar) started a band called Astronomer. Their EP When I Leave was meant to give you a sample of where the band is going and put “feelers” out there. The band made a good call naming these demos because that's about where they lie in regards to sound quality. 

They make melancholy folk that can be compared to an artist like Glen Hansard or Bon Iver. The music attempts and sometimes finds moments of tranquility, contemplative nostalgia and beauty. There are some successes and some mishaps amongst these songs but I found the majority of the five songs in the win column. 

The album starts off with a mild success called “Timberwolves.” There is a lot you can enjoy about this song from the vocal melody to the soft pads and acoustic guitar. The lyrics are interpretive alluding to metaphors. The vocalist sings, “I am a wolf in sheep's clothing Loathing the loneliness Of this forest.” Sometimes there is too much stress on the vocals, which could have been helped out with a better mix.

“Higher Living” is an upbeat, exuberant song that is a step up in terms of originality and delivery. The Vampire Weekend-esque guitar playing is a high point and I thought the vocal harmonies were well done on this song. What I loved most about the song is the transition it makes from sounding subdued to exploding with energy. 

The next track “Constellation” felt like a filler that even at two minutes felt too long. The highlight of the EP is “Patient.” I thought the production was well done on this track as they create an enveloping atmosphere that draws you in. They close with “When I Leave” which was a decent track that felt like a leap from “Patient.” It almost felt like a different band.

When I Leave has all the hallmarks of a young band feeling their way through. They are drawing from their influences, aren’t settled on a sound and haven’t figured out their strengths. That being said there is plenty of potential here and if they play their cards right they could see some success. Right now they are a case of wait and see. 
Become A Fan
bandcamp
Tweet
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

       Critique/insight

    We are dedicated to informing the public about the different types of independent  music that is available for your listening pleasure as well as giving the artist a professional critique from a seasoned music geek. We critique a wide variety of niche genres like experimental, IDM, electronic, ambient, shoegaze and much more.

    Tweets by divideanconqer
    Are you one of our faithful visitors who enjoys our website? Like us on Facebook


    Archives

    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012

Company

About
Contributors

Newsletter

Newsletter
Book Your Band

© Divide and Conquer 2021. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • DAC
  • Indie Music Album Reviews
  • About
  • Submissions
  • Top albums
  • Features
  • Contact