Search - Astronaut Wife :: Flying Saucer

Interesting Pop, A Little Limited

Jonathan Parshall | Minneapolis, MN USA | 03/16/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I bought Astronaut Wife's first CD, and found it pretty worthwhile. It's airy pop music, very tightly orchestrated, heavy on the synths, but with good rythms, and superb harmonies from the female vocalists. So I purchased their second CD with the expectation of getting more of the same. And that's what I got. But guess what? It wasn't as satisfying as their first effort. And now I'm wishing I had gotten a little *less* of the same.



Christian Erickson is the mastermind behind the band. He clearly has an excellent ear for pop song construction and instrumentation. It's equally clear that he's in a bit of a rut, lyrically. Broadly speaking, almost every composition on both CDs harps on the following two emotional themes:



1) I'm Alienated By My Life (Please Help Me Escape By Taking Me Away From Here), OR

2) Relationships Are Inherently Unfair (And You've Got All The Cards)(Again)



Only the very interesting "Dolphin Language Translator" falls outside of this general theme. And after a dozen or so songs in this general vein, I'm ready for something new lyrically. A song about toasters. Or something. Whatever. Actually, what I'd really like to hear is a song about confronting, and learning from one's emotions, rather than simply saying "Beam me up, Scotty."



I personally hope that Christian (whom I've never met, despite his being friends of friends of mine) doesn't actually have this sort of a outlook on life, but my guess is he might. Which would be kind of sad, if true. He's obviously extremely talented, writing all the songs and lyrics, orchestrating the instrumentals, and doing all the packaging and graphic design (he's quite a gifted illustrator and web designer in his own right.) Then again, being divinely talented has never been a ticket to personal happiness, has it? Here's hoping to a broader, more insightful third effort from Astronaut Wife. They have great potential."

Beautiful...

Vineyard Fairy | IN, USA | 10/08/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you like Delerium or new age music with a little pop twist then you have to buy this cd! The vocals are lovely and the lyrics are really great. :) Also try the band "Balligomingo" if you like it!"