‘Takes One to Know’ is the latest release from New Orleans four-piece Astronomical and features six tracks of complex yet melodic music, however blending a mix of old- school nineties emo with gruff shouty vocals is starting to feel a little dated now.
‘Takes One to Know’ opens with an intro track which makes no impression whatsoever and you wouldn’t miss it if it wasn’t there. Second track ‘Long Distance’ starts off a little better, there’s a decent display of guitar work on offer but then that’s about it. Come the verse it’s difficult to remain interested in this song and it just plods along following a very tired formula of shouty vocals and minimalist music. Towards the end it picks up a little with the arrival of some trumpet and fanfare; sounding a little bit like Neutral Milk Hotel.
<a href=“http://astronomical.bandcamp.com/album/takes-one-to-know” data-mce-href=“http://astronomical.bandcamp.com/album/takes-one-to-know”>Takes One To Know by Astronomical</a>
‘Red Wine’ is next and is another test for the ears and your will to live. It just seems to go on and on forever and ever. It uses male and female vocals and we’re still trying to figure out if it was a competition to sing as bad as you possibly can.
‘Ghosts’ fares a little bit better largely due to the fact it is a little more interesting. It’s a rather jagged effort and uses some complex timings and rhythm work. Definite nods towards bands like Title Fight on this track which for us makes it a little bit more enjoyable.
Penultimate track ‘Battleship’ starts off pretty well and sounds like any other 90’s emo revival band around at the moment. At some point in the song it all becomes a little messy and sounds like an abomination. Perhaps cutting that track short would’ve saved it.
‘I Gave You the World’ closes the release and is the most enjoyable track on this release and not only because your ears are free again. No, in fact it starts off a lot like a Joyce Manor track which is not a bad thing at all. As well as this it uses an excellent mix of atmospheric sounds and dual vocals to create a really rather interesting track which is a shame because had some of the other tracks been a bit more like this the whole release would’ve been a far different offering.
1.5/5
‘Takes One to Know’ by Astronomical is available now.
Astronomical links: Facebook|Bandcamp
Words by Colin Henderson (@colinah87)
