ASTRONAUT AARDVARK ATTACK
Monsters and Meddlers is the new release from Astronaut Aardvark Attack. The album begins with the previously released single, Monster, a synth-/guitar-driven instrumental. The REM cover, Maps and Legends, is a reinvention that stays true to the essence (and bassline) of the original but adds synths, organs, and a compelling lead guitar. Hot Flash is a lead guitar-driven song with an appealing chord progression and an eclectic bridge. The chorus, repeated three times, claims, "it's a fever so hot it could..."1) "melt glass", 2) "melt grass", and 3) "sublimate trash". Other highlights include the light pop-ish Entropy; the classic rock-esque, Aliens; Leech, a prog-rock anthem; a rant about raising alpacas in The Courageous, a critique; and the bagpipe-and bass-driven A Fog in our Midst, referring to climate change deniers. Completing the album is the all-acoustic-to-all-electric-driven Regret of the World. What the 'regret' is, is a grand reveal in the all-electric section.
Astronaut Aardvark Attack is brothers Pacer and The Stride, who have been making music together for more than two decades. The boys self-released an LP, Songs for the Escape Pod (2019). Five singles have followed: Tin Feet (2020); You Can't Pretend (To Be Vaccinated) (2021); Sucker Punch (April, 2023); Blue Sea (May, 2023), and Monster (January, 2025). Monster is the first single from Monsters and Meddlers, and earned the duo some local press.
No one sounds quite like these boys. They boast eclectic indie-pop, alternative, synthy, and shoegaze tunes that are heavy in up-beat tempos, unforgettable guitar hooks, compelling lyrics, power synths, classic rock keys, melodic bass lines, and world instruments and rhythms. The music is difficult to categorize but results from a mash-up of Indie-pop, New Wave, ‘90’s alternative, Classic Rock, Post Punk, and world (Celtic and bluegrass influences).
Astronaut Aardvark Attack has a signature sound; give 'em a listen on any streaming platform and Bandcamp! Drop 'em a line if you love what you hear...or hate it...or anything in between. Cheers!
