THE ASTEROID #4
THE ASTEROID #4
Supposedly named after Vesta, the brightest asteroid in our solar system, the moniker is an obvious nod to Spacemen 3, the classic UK band which Philadelphiaʼs Asteroid #4 repeatedly cite as an influence. In fact, one of the groupʼs earliest recorded offerings was an even spacier (if thatʼs possible) version of “Losing Touch With My Mind” on Rocket Girlʼs tribute compilation to the psych giants. Pete “Sonic Boom” Kember himself named the song as a stand-out track on that compilation in an interview with Magnet Magazine. Now the Asteroid #4 is ready to release what will be their 6th full-length album. This collection of albums, accompanied by a host of compilation selections, digital-only rarities and a number of 7” singles, is all the more impressive considering the revolving cast of band members over the years. Like the Brian Jonestown Massacre or Philly brethren The Lilys, the Asteriod #4 have maintained a few core members but watched countless others come and go. Despite this challenge in continuity, the band has never called it quits. If truth be told, perhaps it has been the near-constant change in personnel over the last decade or so thatʼs made the band what it is today. Their sound, a hypnotic hybrid of several different genres filtered through the kaleidoscope of all things psych, krautrock, shoegaze, folk and even 70s “cosmic” countryrock, has matured them to the point of originality rather than simply homage.
OFFICIAL SITE :: MYSPACE :: FACEBOOK :: TWITTER :: REVERBNATION
It's official … the Asteroid #4 are on a roll and their new record, Hail to the Clear Figurines, will certainly not disappoint their ever-growing fan base. Vesta only appears to be getting brighter.
BLUE ANGEL LOUNGE
Founded in 2006 by Nils Ottensmeyer and Dennis 'Mel' Melster, they completed their self-titled debut in 2008 of which 500 vinyl copies were self-released. One of the copies made it into the hands of Will Carruthers of Spacemen 3, who subsequently passed it on to a friend at 8MM Musik. The band were signed shortly after.
MAGIC CASTLES
Magic Castles have self-released three albums (two in 2009), all of which are currently out of print. But through word of mouth and blogs, the band’s profile spread and a YouTube video was passed to the legendary Anton Newcombe (Brian Jonestown Massacre) via his Ustream.tv outlet, We Are The Radio/Dead TV experimental social media phenomenon in 2010. Anton Newcombe remembers, "The song that introduced me to Magic Castles was ‘Ballad of the Golden Bird.’ I really think it is special, so much so, I decided to ask the group if I could release this record through my label, ‘a’ Records.
