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Astrosoniq: Quadrant
Astrosoniq Quadrant album new music review

Astrosoniq: Quadrant

Progressive Rock
4.5/5.0

Thanks to an agreement with E1 Entertainment, Germany's Exile on Mainstream label is getting distribution for their artists in North America, many for the very first time. One of the first to be pushed in the United States is Astrosoniq and their 2009 release Quadrant. My European brethren are likely familiar with Astrosoniq's catalog and career since 1999, but America needs to catch up.

Pinning down Astrosoniq's sound or genre is like trying to comprehend President Barack Obama's foreign policy. Generally, the larger category would be progressive rock. Within this fluid genre, Astrosoniq blends stoner, heavy, psychedelic, and space rock in a rather clever, cryptic, and entertaining album.

Many songs are simply heavy rock, like Play It Straight, Downfall Lover, and Zero to name a few, garnished with those other elements. An intense groove, fortified by a pounding bass and pummeling drums, gets flavored by spry and spirited guitar work and strangely appealing vocal arrangements. Yet, Astrosoniq is best when the heaviness gives way to more progressive rock intrigue as on the seriously clever Bloom with its pseudo-country suggestions within and the lengthy yet wholly creative As Soon as They Got Airborne. Every once and a while, Astrosoniq can sound nearly commercially acceptable (God forbid) as on the closing track Sin.

It's all good: Astrosoniq's trippy and heavy prog rock on Quadrant is delightful and unpredictable stuff. Having, finally, and outlet in America hopefully will allow for an new and grateful audience. Well recommended!




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In Short

Astrosoniq's trippy and heavy prog rock on Quadrant is delightful and unpredictable stuff. Having, finally, and outlet in America hopefully will allow for an new and grateful audience.

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