Omnivore's Delight 8: Astronauts of Antiquity
posted in: Music News • Rock
India and B. Rhyan of Astronauts of Antiquity are kind of like Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan from When Harry Met Sally”emphasis on kind of. If Meg Ryan was a seductive lounge songstress and Billy Crystal a virtuosic guitarist, the analogy would be much more accurate. As the pillars of AoA, the pair initially crossed paths at an airport while India was rushing to make a flight. Three years later they coincidentally reconnected at one of India’s concerts in Milwaukee. Rhyan was so impressed with her stage presence and talent he couldn’t help but go behind stage and introduce himself. Their connection was strong enough to pry India from her then boyfriend and pit the two together as musical partners and lovers from there on out. Anyone who has heard their music will most likely suggest their reconnection wasn’t merely a coincidence after all.
India
AoA’s sound is nearly unclassifiable. While fans and critics alike dabble in the labeling game, the result is nothing but an alphabet soup of meaningless mash up genres (urban-electro-organica). Every now and then music comes along that simply cannot be pigeon holed into one genre, so why try? The fact of the matter is AoA produce a hip concoction of jazz, funk, electronic, soul, lounge and dub”five genres that magically compliment one another when formatted correctly” in turn providing an unforgettable live experience. This eclecticism stems from the member’s extensive musical knowledge along with the wisdom gained from performing and living all over the world.
The stirring Supa Soul begins with nothing more than hand percussion and hooky bass riff, but before the listener can get their bearings the track elevates to a diverse mix of panning guitars and electric organ, all of which support India’s soaring and suggestive vocals. The climax of the song hits with the powerful bridge exhibiting India’s vocal fortitude, a section that actually sounds more like a rock song with layered power chords than the funky dub vibe it begins with. Songs like this one prove AoA’s masterful chameleon-like ability to blend genres within songs, a spontaneous quality that assures their material remains fresh and unpredictable with every phrasing. Other songs like Soup Du Jour begin with a melting relaxation and maintain the same vibe throughout, even though the instrumentation and harmonies eventually increase.
Whether genre-altering or not, AoA’s infectious tunes continue to win over fans and rake in the local awards like Best Band, Best Vocalist and Best Songwriters. These die hard Do-It-Yourselfers are currently recording a new album and are looking to get back on tour as soon as possible. Show them some love before they’re nationally known!