Calling All Astronauts
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Calling All Astronauts

London, England, United Kingdom | INDIE

London, England, United Kingdom | INDIE
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"Calling All Astronauts - Post Modern Conspiracy"

see link - Fotomusica.rs


"Calling All Astronauts - Post Modern Conspiracy"

see link - Fotomusica.rs


"Calling All Astronauts - Post Modern Conspiracy"

The debut album in this day and age is a curious thing. It can make or break a band, as much as it always could. But, depending on the length of time a band takes between first bursting into the public's consciousness and releasing the LP, the album could have a number of different results.

Take, for example, the first LP by Grinspoon, in 1997. If rateyourmusic.com is correct, before the album was released there were two EPs and two singles before the album was released, with a total of 5 tracks from these releases appearing on said album. By the time the promo cycle was finished, a further 3 singles were issued and thus a total of 7 out of the 16 tracks were well known to the public. Thus the album pretty much plays a bit like a best of LP.

Such is "Post Modern Conspiracy", the first album by Calling All Astronauts, the pseudo-goth/punk/anarcho/metal/industrial/dance/pop band from London UK. With no less than three singles appearing before the album was released, this sets up the album as a strong and potent release, especially as the aforementioned singles are included in the package.

If you've heard the earlier singles "Someone Like You", "What's so good about..." and the stomping electro-thumper "Winter of Discontent" you'll know what you're in for. This is a solid record chock-filled with heavy beats, deep layered synths, loud guitars and David B's droning and occasionally subsonic vocals.

One can't help but think about how this reminds the listener of some of the darker indie pop of the 80s - one can hear shades of Joy Division (and by extension New Order), The The, Mission of Burma, The Wolfgang Press and others. This is not a complaint, but rather a reference point. Certain sections of the pop world are still in a heavy 80s throwback mode anyway. But while many are content to ape Madonna at her tackiest or recycle AC/DC's tired and worn guitar riffs, Calling All Astronauts are tapping into and mining a richer seam of retro gold, while adding a modern veneer to the music as well.

While David's vocals can be an acquired taste, they are absolutely perfect for the type of electro-industrial clang the band conjure up. While the lyrics are incomprehensible at times, it does so in a charming way, much like Michael Stipe on the first couple of REM LPs. Repeated listening will reveal the subtleties of the lyrics, which deal directly with the vacuousness of modern celebrity culture, consumerism and general public ignorance and apathy.

This is a very consistent release, with some very strong material throughout. The sound is consistent and solid, and it really doesn't let up much before "Eye Of God" which supplies us with a nice mashup of 80s jangle guitar and drum-n-bass-style drum loops.

It's a strong LP and those who are fans of the singles won't be disappointed. Really, most of the tracks here could be singles, as they stand up well on their own. Like the aforementioned Grinspoon LP, with so many well known songs already on the LP, with so many other songs that are just as strong on it, this could almost be their "best of" album.

The problem may well be from here is have the set the bar too high first time out? How will they top such a strong release with their second? We will wait with baited breath to see how they get on.

This one's a keeper.

As the song title goes "Ignorance is not an excuse". Take a listen to "Post Modern Conspiracy" below and get your informed. - The Sound And The Fury


"Someone Like You"

Which one of us doesn't know the feeling one gets when listening to a song for the very first time and then suddenly... WOW(!), I need to listen to this one again! It's the feeling I got while listening to the brand-new single "Someone Like You" by Calling All Astronauts. This trio from Western London, consisting of JJ Browning, David B and Kristi Bury, definitely has produced a hit there.

The single "Someone Like You" is kept in an old-school sound, but also intends to transfer a socio-political message. The song has drilled itself into my brain, where it stayed for days. I played it over and over again, so that my room-mates also know it by heart by now, I suppose.
"I don't wanna be..., I will never be..., I don't wanna be someone like you!", is the gist of this single, reminiscent of early goth rock, where the punk influences were strongly audible.
I would definitely give the single "Someone Like You" a high rating, but over the rest of the CD I am quite disappointed: Only three remixes of "Someone Like You" (to which people maybe wouldn't listen any more after some time), at least a second song, a typical B-side, I would have expected. However, this one track we have gotten so far makes me curious about the Calling All Astronauts' début-album A Post Modern Conspiracy.

Tracklist:

01. Single Mix
02. Guitars at 11 Mix
03. Goth & Bass Mix
04. Now That’s Not What I Call Electro Mix - Andre Savatier


"Calling All Astronauts - Post Modern Conspiracy"

It may not be on a par with Rage Against The Machine sticking two fingers up to The X Factor, but London trio Calling All Astronauts bagging the Christmas number one in The Hype Machine's Twitter chart was still good going, especially given that Hypem charts often feature the same old names. Plus we get to feel mildly smug as it was our post that qualified them. Clearly it was a reasonably popular tune therefore, and not just amongst us. So if you were one of those who gave it a play then and helped contribute, you'll be pleased to note that their debut album contains more of the same, in fact you may know this already, as it was released last month, we're playing catch-up. The all-seeing eye (it looks like the one from the US dollar bill that they've used), a symbol used by the Masons, the Illuminati and generally those who are allegedly plotting a new world order, along with the album title should let you know that there's a certain political agenda here.

Calling All Astronauts are driven by the general state of things and there are tracks that focus on how the system is wrong and how a select few are trying to control the entire human race. See 'Someone Like You', 'What's So Good About', 'Politicized' and 'The Demise Of Society'. These aren't empty political statements though, and 'Post Modern Conspiracy' isn't an album about *yawn* "sticking it to The Man" made by people who have no idea who "The Man" is anyway, nor what the problems really are. This band are a bit more clued-up, but rather than get into a political debate, we'll switch to the tunes. The album contains the messages they want you to hear so we won't repeat them all. This trio get described as post-punk, electro-rock and goth amongst other things, and this record feels like an update of what bands such as Sisters Of Mercy and Depeche Mode were producing three decades ago. The ethos is the same but the sounds are modernised.

Vocally a low, near monotone drawl delivers the lyrics, occasionally switching to a Lydon-like snarl for some of the more electrified moments, while coarse guitars do battle with sharp, electronic-sounding beats for attention in the background. You could criticise the album for basically picking a format and sticking with it, but that argument falls apart a little when you realise that that's the whole point. Calling All Astronauts have their sound and they've mastered it. As for ups and downs, well, there really aren't any: 'Post Modern Conspiracy' is remarkably consistent in both style and quality. Whether they're hitting out at scenesters on, um, 'Scenesters', "crass love songs" on 'It Could Have Been Lust', or religious ideology in a materialistic world on 'Eye Of God', these songs come with a message, and these are messages delivered as if they really care. What it comes down to is that, whether politically-charged electro-rock is a style that suits your personal taste or not, Calling All Astronauts are one of the few bands out there who are saying it like they mean it.
- The Sound Of Confusion


"Move Over Daft Punk CAA release the soundtrack of the summer"


Calling All Astronauts: Post Modern Conspiracy – album review
Posted on May 20, 2013 by CHARD
66 172 Google +0 0 266

Calling All Astronauts – Post Modern Conspiracy
DL
Available now

Move over Daft Punk, our reviewer ‘CHARD says Calling All Astronauts has captured the real sound of the summer with latest album Post Modern Conspiracy.

8.5/10

Calling All Astronauts – David B (vocals, keys, programming), J Browning (guitar), and Kristi Bury (bass) – are evidently a crew steeped in a rich musical heritage. They’ve absorbed the mutant DNA of post-punk’s rich tapestry without really wearing their influences too much on their sleeve, whatever you may have been told.

Biographies and bloggers have mentioned the Sisters (I can buy that), plus Peter Murphy and New Order, who the band state as a favourite. Maybe, but CAA seem to have embraced the spirit and dissenter’s call of those days and fused it with a jackdaw’s hoard of fleetingly-familiar guitar motifs, vocal codas and rhythm runs that they reinvent and refreshingly make their own.

So, where are the real terms of reference, what are the subliminal nuances coming through? There are traces of early eighties: think James Stevenson’s guitar when he played with Kim Wilde, the nineties neurosis of Dean Garcia’s soundscapes with the legendary Curve, full-on guitar shredding of agit-rockers XC-NN, stuttered worldview of the Three Johns, even the claustrophobia of Lard or Ministry.

Elsewhere, CAA slice their guitar assault and couple it with semi-audible spoken-word tones of what can only be described as deep loathing, in a style not dissimilar to Pandemonium-era Killing Joke.

Personal and global politics are all fair game – CAA had already set expectations high with their trio of incendiary singles, all included here, yet somehow nurtured by their environment they are even stronger within the boundaries of Post Modern Conspiracy, and those boundaries tend to be shimmering if not illusory with every successive hearing.

Leading with debut single Someone Like You, one might think we’re on a trip to the clubs of ’83 Leeds as ghosts of Danse Society appear in the corners, but there are some lush hints at the widescreen here too. If we were left thinking Gene Loves Jezebel, those ideas quickly evaporate as ‘Freaks’ takes us closer to the Sisterhood, only for the nod to Was (Not Was) resetting the context button by 45 degrees.

By recent single What’s So Good About, the album has hit its stride, a glacial feel conjured by epic John McGeogh style riffs mashing up the mood into an almost Garbage arena anthem.

Scenesters Vs. The World is a catchy old school structure, which trades riffing choruses with a reflective element worthy of House of Love’s Terry Bickers.

Ignorance Is Not An Excuse is dubby: PIL meeting Crass in the Trance Tent after absinthe has been taken, the whole reminding the listener to revisit The Blood Uncles. It Could Have Been Lust is another immediate contender for a single, proving beyond doubt CAA’s gift with infectious hooks – especially worthy of mention is the soaring guitar break that elevates the song to another level two-thirds in.

Throughout this journey, David B has been cajoling and goading the neo-cons with portent, ‘this revolution will be televised,’ he intones; my mind’s eye sees the mall disorder of UK 2011.

Winter of Discontent – summer single of last year, is as fine a piece of protest writing as you’ll see grace the sloganeered walls of rock; Faith In Your Cause – which has been around in live form for a while, anchors the band’s convictions in the heart of politicized calls to action, set to a frenzied beatbox.



Feel The Pain (Again) is a return to the bona fide four square format, for three minutes’ furious intensity in the March Violets’ sleazy mosh pit. The intensity lets up briefly for the interlude that is, perversely, The Demise Of Society, which in its two minutes seems almost throwaway – part of its ironic charm – before the anthemic Red Flag brings the curtain down in classic set-closer style.

Any good test drive covers a range of environments, and I’ve now lived with this collection in all manner of moods – with the galvanizing first coffee of the day, staring into the sun at stacking summer planes above my cityscape, driving at night back from street-punk gigs, taking the edge off modern life with the first cold cider – and this is one such perfect accompaniment.

Its sense of ‘oneness’ as a complete work fits the listener like a second skin, its many moments of surprise and hidden details waiting to be discovered keeping it fresh for the next time you wriggle aboard.

Hey, Daft Punk, it’s CAA on the phone – they just nailed the real soundtrack to the summer…

You can download the album from CAA’s Bandcamp now.

All words by ‘CHARD. More work by CHARD on Louder Than War can be read here
- See more at: http://louderthanwar.com/calling-all-astronauts-post-modern - Louder Than War


"Calling All Astronauts - I Wanna Be Your Dog"

see link - kulturterrorismus


"Music Riview of 2012"

view link - Andre Sevetier


"Kendal Calling 2013"

see text - NME


"Calling All Astronauts Q&A"

view link - Real Sounds OK


"I Wanna Be Your Dog by Calling All Astronauts"

view link - Rock Regeneration


"Calling All Astronauts - I Wanna Be Your Dog"

view link - Vents Magazine


"Calling All Astronauts - I Wanna Be Your Dog"

see link - Music Beacon


"Interview with David B (Calling all Astronauts)"

http://alternation.eu/interview_with_david_b_%28calling_all_astronauts%29,id,1126,wywiady.html - Alternation.eu


"Interview with David B (Calling all Astronauts)"

http://alternation.eu/interview_with_david_b_%28calling_all_astronauts%29,id,1126,wywiady.html - Alternation.eu


"Louder Than War Featured Artist"

Our New Artist of the Day today is Calling All Astronauts – a London-based electro industrial goth punk hit of wonder.

Calling All Astronauts is a three piece electro-industrial-goth-punk outfit from London town, headed by David B, who does vocals, keyboards and programming, JJ Brownlee on guitar and on the bass there is Kristy Bury. To me, this is just straight industrial with no additional categories needed. It’s industrial.

Musically and lyrically, Calling All Astronauts remind me of bands like Skinny Puppy or Front 242. Could they be influences? Well, seeing as these bands have influenced a ton of industrial outfits, I would imagine they had some influence in some way somewhere along the line. On the band’s Reverbnation site, they list Sisters of Mercy and New Order as bands they sound like. And, they are right, which makes sense seeing as they wrote it.

“What’s So Good About?” is Calling All Astronauts’ third single since November of 2011 and comes in three deliciously dark flavored mixes. The first thing that grabs me when I listen to this song is the voice. David B sounds like a messed up vampire on downers. Just listening to him, he sounds like something that would come out of the dark and suck your face off!

Then you see the dude in a picture or in video, and he’s got this fresh faced look, topped off with this shock of spikey blond hair and you think “hey, he doesn’t look like he would sink his teeth into my neck and tear out my entrails!”

He looks like a nice guy who just happens to have a deep, freaky voice that works perfectly with this industrial stuff. He sounds eerily like Peter Murphy of Bauhaus and face it, if you have a voice like that, you only have one direction you can possibly go in life and that is into an industrial band. I’m sorry, there is no other path.

As far as the lyrics, the use of questioning (sometimes with sarcastic humour) is well done and effective in trying to get their political views put forth without being heavy-handed and beating you across the brow.

At first, I thought it was rather Right Said Fred-ish, listing off all the things he is too sexy for. But, in the end, this approach works well. What IS so good about….whatever. “What is so good about being in a boy band?” The answer? Depends who you are I guess. “What’s so good about dying for a cause?” Yes. Good question. What is so good about it? Yet there are millions out there who have or are willing to do so. “What’s so good about eins, zwei, drei?” Well, if you are German trying to buy one egg, two buns and three ginger ales, there is nothing wrong with it.

This trio has been creating a bit of a buzz from what I read and I can see why. They do what they do well. I read rumour that there is supposed to be a full length coming, and it was supposed to have arrived over the past summer. What happened to it? Where is it? I want it.

I’ve been impressed at their two singles (and their variety of versions) that I have heard thus far (“Winter of Discontent” and “Someone Like You”) plus a live version of a song called “Faith In Your Cause” and a cover of Human League’s “Thing’s That Dreams Are Made Of”. Based on these, I feel this is one of those bands that people should say “this is a band to watch” about and not just because I keep reading that they are a band to watch, but because they are a good band with a good sound.

I’m looking forward to this full length! Come on folks, where is it? - Louder Than War


"Louder Than War Featured Artist"

Our New Artist of the Day today is Calling All Astronauts – a London-based electro industrial goth punk hit of wonder.

Calling All Astronauts is a three piece electro-industrial-goth-punk outfit from London town, headed by David B, who does vocals, keyboards and programming, JJ Brownlee on guitar and on the bass there is Kristy Bury. To me, this is just straight industrial with no additional categories needed. It’s industrial.

Musically and lyrically, Calling All Astronauts remind me of bands like Skinny Puppy or Front 242. Could they be influences? Well, seeing as these bands have influenced a ton of industrial outfits, I would imagine they had some influence in some way somewhere along the line. On the band’s Reverbnation site, they list Sisters of Mercy and New Order as bands they sound like. And, they are right, which makes sense seeing as they wrote it.

“What’s So Good About?” is Calling All Astronauts’ third single since November of 2011 and comes in three deliciously dark flavored mixes. The first thing that grabs me when I listen to this song is the voice. David B sounds like a messed up vampire on downers. Just listening to him, he sounds like something that would come out of the dark and suck your face off!

Then you see the dude in a picture or in video, and he’s got this fresh faced look, topped off with this shock of spikey blond hair and you think “hey, he doesn’t look like he would sink his teeth into my neck and tear out my entrails!”

He looks like a nice guy who just happens to have a deep, freaky voice that works perfectly with this industrial stuff. He sounds eerily like Peter Murphy of Bauhaus and face it, if you have a voice like that, you only have one direction you can possibly go in life and that is into an industrial band. I’m sorry, there is no other path.

As far as the lyrics, the use of questioning (sometimes with sarcastic humour) is well done and effective in trying to get their political views put forth without being heavy-handed and beating you across the brow.

At first, I thought it was rather Right Said Fred-ish, listing off all the things he is too sexy for. But, in the end, this approach works well. What IS so good about….whatever. “What is so good about being in a boy band?” The answer? Depends who you are I guess. “What’s so good about dying for a cause?” Yes. Good question. What is so good about it? Yet there are millions out there who have or are willing to do so. “What’s so good about eins, zwei, drei?” Well, if you are German trying to buy one egg, two buns and three ginger ales, there is nothing wrong with it.

This trio has been creating a bit of a buzz from what I read and I can see why. They do what they do well. I read rumour that there is supposed to be a full length coming, and it was supposed to have arrived over the past summer. What happened to it? Where is it? I want it.

I’ve been impressed at their two singles (and their variety of versions) that I have heard thus far (“Winter of Discontent” and “Someone Like You”) plus a live version of a song called “Faith In Your Cause” and a cover of Human League’s “Thing’s That Dreams Are Made Of”. Based on these, I feel this is one of those bands that people should say “this is a band to watch” about and not just because I keep reading that they are a band to watch, but because they are a good band with a good sound.

I’m looking forward to this full length! Come on folks, where is it? - Louder Than War


"Ringmaster Review Whats So Good About?"

Upon reviewing their previous single Winter Of Discontent, we declared Calling All Astronauts as ‘one of the most exciting alternative rock bands in the UK right now, maybe the best.’ With the release of their third single What’s So Good About? on December 2nd, the impressive track gives no reason to change our declaration. It is a thrilling blend of techno punk and electro gothic shadows which evokes thought and passion with mesmeric enterprise and seductive energy.

The London based trio of vocalist/programmer/producer David B, ex-Caffeine guitarist J Browning, and bassist Kristi B, have ignited plenty of emotion and acclaim their way since emerging with debut single Someone Like You a year ago. The follow up Winter Of Discontent drew even greater recognition towards the inventive imagination of the band whilst performances alongside the likes of A Place To Bury Strangers, Roger Daltrey, Pop Will Eat Itself and Echo And The Bunnymen, not forgetting the band selling out Alan Magee’s “Death2Disco” for their show and constant radio play across the likes of BBC 6Music, RTE, Q Radio, Amazing Radio, and The Reputation Radio Show (Audioburger) established and concreted the band as one of the most inspiring and experimentally adventurous bands around.

What’s So Good About? saunters in with a throaty resonance leading to a flesh sizzling sonic outpouring before hypnotic rhythms and washes of gentler electronic caresses take their place before the expressive and darkened delivery, lyrical and emotively, of David B. Already renowned for their social and political sharpness, the track is an arguably darker and more intense affair than its predecessors, its abrasive and senses searing corrosion and metallic confrontation bringing an impactful urgency and spite to the theme of greed orientated society blinkered through obsession with fame and consumerism to those less fortunate. It is a pulse rate elevating mix of punk rock and electro which burns potently with fiery melodic guitar sonics blistering the already intimidating surface of the song, the encounter agitating and exciting the senses further. The Sisters Of Mercy/Psychedelic Furs lilt alongside the prowling basslines brings another texture and depth to the layered piece of imagination unleashed by the band to engage and enflame heart and senses to even greater volcanic degrees. It is a furnace of intensity and pleasure showing a continued evolution in the songwriting and strength of the band and their inciting creativity.

The release comes with the less sonically pressuring Echoboy Bounce Remix of the song, the mix taking the track to the dancefloor with added warmth and elegance replacing some of the aggressive intent. It is a vibrant and enjoyable take of the track though lacks the snarl and hunger of the single to match its might, but does add an inventive breath to urge different eager reactions to its ideas.

What’s So Good About? is another irresistible and stunning step in the rise of Calling All Astronauts. To our claim of most exciting rock band in the UK, add imaginative and provocative not to forget impressive. With a show with the legendary Sigue Sigue Sputnik at Mother Live, London on December 7th, Calling All Astronauts go into 2013 with all creative guns blazing. - The Reputation Label


"BBC Introducing November 2012"

CALLING ALL ASTRONAUTS - What's So Good (Echoboy Bounce remix) [starts 00:13]
http://www.callingallastronauts.com/
Calling All Astronauts (above) are politically-charged Alt/Rock 3-piece that take their DIY ethics so seriously they even built their own studio. They have opened for Roger Daltrey and Echo & The Bunnymen among others, and also headlined Alan Magee's Death2Disco at Notting Hill Arts Club. Their debut single Someone Like You was played across the globe, while their follow-up Winter Of Discontent also received a considerable amount of airtime. What's So Good? is scheduled for release on December 2nd. Their debut album Post Modern Conspiracy in out in February with two further singles following in March and May. They have already been confirmed for 2 major festivals in 2013, but in the meantime are having an album launch party at Mother Live in London on December 7th. - BBC


"BBC Introducing November 2012"

CALLING ALL ASTRONAUTS - What's So Good (Echoboy Bounce remix) [starts 00:13]
http://www.callingallastronauts.com/
Calling All Astronauts (above) are politically-charged Alt/Rock 3-piece that take their DIY ethics so seriously they even built their own studio. They have opened for Roger Daltrey and Echo & The Bunnymen among others, and also headlined Alan Magee's Death2Disco at Notting Hill Arts Club. Their debut single Someone Like You was played across the globe, while their follow-up Winter Of Discontent also received a considerable amount of airtime. What's So Good? is scheduled for release on December 2nd. Their debut album Post Modern Conspiracy in out in February with two further singles following in March and May. They have already been confirmed for 2 major festivals in 2013, but in the meantime are having an album launch party at Mother Live in London on December 7th. - BBC


"A New Model For Rock"

follow link, the feature starts on page 20 - Four Culture Magazine


"Calling all Astronauts - Winter Of Discontent"

W 1917 roku w Rosji wybuchla rewolucja, w 2012 roku ubóstwo na swiecie przekracza wszystkie jakiekolwiek przyjete normy, jednoczesnie zarobki uprzywilejowanych osób sa wieksze niz kiedykolwiek wczesniej. - Gothic PL


"Scones Of Anarchy"

Text is too long and contains picures - My Emu Id Emo


"Scones Of Anarchy"

Text is too long and contains picures - My Emu Id Emo


"Alternative Music News"

new releases - Download News


"The Sunday Alternative Blog"

playlist - Trentsound


"The Sunday Alternative Blog"

playlist - Trentsound


"Jim Gellatly Playlist 10/6/2012"

Calling All Astronauts - Winter Of Discontent - Amazing Radio


"Culture Cafe playlist on RTE 2XM 20/6/2012"

Calling all Astronauts - Winter Of Discontent - Nassymon


"Culture Cafe playlist on RTE 2XM 20/6/2012"

Calling all Astronauts - Winter Of Discontent - Nassymon


"Calling all Astronauts - Winter Of Discontent"

Naming your new single after the Winter of Discontent says a lot about the political views of London based three-piece Calling All Astronauts. In 1979 the UK faced a depression not unlike the current one. The song is a dark eclectro pop assault, with hints of The Cult, A Place To Bury Strangers and the Sisters of Mercy. Desolate but not disparate they provided a song for the victims of the economic breakdown. No answers are provided, but the anger is very real. Calling All Astronauts - Gigulate


"the Inside Outcast"

Dark Track of the week, Calling All Astronauts - Winter Of Discontent - Geek Planet Online


"the Inside Outcast"

Dark Track of the week, Calling All Astronauts - Winter Of Discontent - Geek Planet Online


"Winter Of Discontent Video"

Winter Of Discontent video - Dark Assylum Radio


"Calling all Astronauts - Winter Of Discontent"

In 1917 Russia had a revolution, in 2012, world poverty is at an all-time high, yet the salaries of the privileged few are greater than ever before.

Inspired by the inequalities of modern society Calling All Astronauts present "Winter Of Discontent" the video of their new single http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZywcHQ1qvc&feature=plcp

The single version of "Winter Of Discontent" can be downloaded for free now - here

"Calling All Astronauts are one of the most exciting alternative rock bands in the UK right now, maybe the best." - Alternation Magazine


"Calling all Astronauts - Winter Of Discontent"

In 1917 Russia had a revolution, in 2012, world poverty is at an all-time high, yet the salaries of the privileged few are greater than ever before.

Inspired by the inequalities of modern society Calling All Astronauts present "Winter Of Discontent" the video of their new single http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZywcHQ1qvc&feature=plcp

The single version of "Winter Of Discontent" can be downloaded for free now - here

"Calling All Astronauts are one of the most exciting alternative rock bands in the UK right now, maybe the best." - Alternation Magazine


"Winter Of Discontent Video"

Winter Of Discontent video - Karnival Radio


"Winter Of Discontent Video"

Winter Of Discontent video - Karnival Radio


"Fadeout Playlist"

Calling All Astronauts - Winter Of Discontent - Pheonix Radio


"BBC Introducing 6Music playlist"

Calling All Astronauts - Winter Of Discontent - BBC


"BBC Introducing 6Music playlist"

Calling All Astronauts - Winter Of Discontent - BBC


"Winter Of Discontent Video"

Calling All Astronauts have released a music video for their new single, ‘Winter Of Discontent’. Check it out: - Dead Press


"Winter Of Discontent Review"

Naming your new single after the Winter of Discontent says a lot about the political views of London based three-piece Calling All Astronauts. In 1979 the UK faced a depression not unlike the current one. The song is a dark eclectro pop assault, with hints of The Cult, A Place To Bury Strangers and the Sisters of Mercy. Desolate but not disparate they provided a song for the victims of the economic breakdown. No answers are provided, but the anger is very real. - Here Comes The Flood


"Winter Of Discontent Review"

Naming your new single after the Winter of Discontent says a lot about the political views of London based three-piece Calling All Astronauts. In 1979 the UK faced a depression not unlike the current one. The song is a dark eclectro pop assault, with hints of The Cult, A Place To Bury Strangers and the Sisters of Mercy. Desolate but not disparate they provided a song for the victims of the economic breakdown. No answers are provided, but the anger is very real. - Here Comes The Flood


"Ringmaster Review - Winter Of Discontent"

After the success and acclaim for their debut single London based socio-political band Calling All Astronauts return with their new track Winter Of Discontent, a dark brewing storm of malcontent. Once more the band have harvested seeds of social and political dissatisfaction into an inciteful and charged piece of songwriting and music. The trio of vocalist/programmer David B, guitarist JJ Browning, and bassist Kristi Bury, this time have intensified the dark electro energy which invaded through their first release Someone Like You into a heavily shadowed and deeply rooted provocation. It is immense, a resonating heart spawn soundtrack for today.

Released June 24th through MKM Records, Winter Of Discontent follows up what has been a productive time between releases with the band receiving consistent airplay across sixty radio stations and on shows like BBC 6 Music Introducing with Tom Robinson. Ireland’s RTE Culture Café, and The Bone Orchard from The Reputation Radio Show. They were also featured on the cover mount of Big Cheese Magazine and supported A Place to Bury Strangers and Pop Will Eat Itself amongst their own successful headlining shows. The new release is the next accelerated step for the band, its blackened seduction simply irresistible and unforgettable.

The song immediately consumes the ear from the start with agitated electro sparks and a wonderful throbbing pulsating cello/bass groan from Kristi Bury which is unrelenting and insistent through the length of the song. It is like a primal call, an anthem for dark times and shadows and mesmeric within its resonating drone atmosphere. Around it the guitars of JJ Browning spark and enthral whilst excited beats light up the growing intensity behind the emotive vocals of David B, his plaintive tones a fluid link between the dark and light of the song. As with their debut there is a heavy Sister Of Mercy breath which pervades the senses and at times as the song plays their track Alice comes to mind, its flavour a formidable and invigorating spice to the thrilling sounds and reinforced by the Andrew Eldritch like vocals of David B. Imagine the pop craft of The Cure and the atmospheric shadows created by Bauhaus in addition and you get the essence of the sound within the single, though Calling All Astronauts expand into textures and soundscapes uniquely their own.

Winter Of Discontent is outstanding and destined to eclipse its predecessor in success and acclaim. Calling All Astronauts are one of the most exciting alternative rock bands in the UK right now, maybe the best.

Grab a free download of the single @ http://callingallastronauts1.bandcamp.com/track/winter-of-discontent and listen out for the track on The Reputation Radio Show @ http://www.reputationradioshow.com/.

http://www.callingallastronauts.com/

RingMaster 16/06/2012 - The Reputation Label


"Calling All Astronauts on BBC Introducing"

tracklist - BBC


"Culture Cafe Podcast - RTE Ireland"

This is the full interview I did with David Bury from Calling All Astronauts. Part of this interview was broadcast on Culture Cafe Show 27 on January 25th 2012. This is the full interview including where we talk a little about the state of our respective countries and how music and politics can easily mingle to get a message across.

We also chat about how Calling All Astronauts are a totally DIY band on the UK scene. - Nessymon


"Culture Cafe Podcast - RTE Ireland"

This is the full interview I did with David Bury from Calling All Astronauts. Part of this interview was broadcast on Culture Cafe Show 27 on January 25th 2012. This is the full interview including where we talk a little about the state of our respective countries and how music and politics can easily mingle to get a message across.

We also chat about how Calling All Astronauts are a totally DIY band on the UK scene. - Nessymon


"Big Cheese "World Burners" covermount CD"

CALLING ALL ASTRONAUTS
SOMEONE LIKE YOU (GUITARS AT 11 MIX)
Another band that aren't afraid to step over genre boundaries and tear up the rulebooks, this London alt-rock three-piece, featuring ex-Caffeine guitarist J Browning in their ranks, blast out a heady collision of rocking riffs, dark atmospherics and pounding beats. Pick up the EP 'Someone Like You' and blast off into space. - Big Cheese


"Movers And Shakers"

The debut single from London based band Calling All Astronauts comes as the result of 12 months of intense creativity as they sculpted and manipulated their sound into something that has been called “an apocalyptical power chord uprising, smelted in a furnace of social and political dissatisfaction.” The trio of guitarist JJ Browning formerly of pop-punk pioneers Caffeine, vocalist/programmer David B of seminal UK rap-metalers US:UK, and Croatian born bassist Kristi Bury have unleashed a single that instantly grabs hold and lingers deeply with its retro dark 80s feel and punk essences fused with vibrant electronic sounds. Someone Like You hints at early Human League but even more so shouts out early Sisters of Mercy, the song spiced with character and intent from songs like ‘Alice’ and ‘Anaconda’ within the modern aggressive beats and mesmeric hooks. The song sticks around well after the last note drifts away, resonating around the mind and tongue. Despite only one song Someone Like You, though there are some great remixes in the package, the single inspires great anticipation for their impending debut album Post Modern Conspiracy. - The Reputation Label


"Calling All Astronauts - Someone Like You review"

“Someone Like You” is the stunning debut single from West London based, dark, electro, alt rockers Calling All Astronauts. The socio-political three piece (CAA) comprises of former Caffeine guitarist JJ Browning; vocalist, programmer and DJ David B once of notorious rap-metalers US:UK and Croatian born bassist extraordinaire Kristi Bury. The trio have been locked in their studio for most of the last year recording their forthcoming debut album “A Post Modern Conspiracy” only venturing out to open for Echo & The Bunnymen and Roger Daltrey on the mainstage at Guilfest 2011.

With their usual obtuse outlook they have decided to release four different versions of “Someone Like you”
Single Mix – A dark alternative rock anthem.
Guitars at 11 Mix – A slab of guitar noise that tilts its cap towards old school industrial mashed up to a Drum and Bass beat.
Goth & Bass Mix – Drum and Bass meets Goth squarely on the chin, who knows the winner?
Now That’s Not What I Call Electro Mix – Being big fans of the “Streetsounds” compilations CAA refuse to call this Electro.

I’ve listened to all four mixes and my favourite is the single mix, a dark alternative anthem for future generations with very similar sounds to the sisters of mercy, a must listen for your inner goth. Its vibrant, enthusiastic and hardworking, you can really feel the energy put into the music. - Everyday Partent


"Calling All Astronauts - Someone Like You review"

“Someone Like You” is the stunning debut single from West London based, dark, electro, alt rockers Calling All Astronauts. The socio-political three piece (CAA) comprises of former Caffeine guitarist JJ Browning; vocalist, programmer and DJ David B once of notorious rap-metalers US:UK and Croatian born bassist extraordinaire Kristi Bury. The trio have been locked in their studio for most of the last year recording their forthcoming debut album “A Post Modern Conspiracy” only venturing out to open for Echo & The Bunnymen and Roger Daltrey on the mainstage at Guilfest 2011.

With their usual obtuse outlook they have decided to release four different versions of “Someone Like you”
Single Mix – A dark alternative rock anthem.
Guitars at 11 Mix – A slab of guitar noise that tilts its cap towards old school industrial mashed up to a Drum and Bass beat.
Goth & Bass Mix – Drum and Bass meets Goth squarely on the chin, who knows the winner?
Now That’s Not What I Call Electro Mix – Being big fans of the “Streetsounds” compilations CAA refuse to call this Electro.

I’ve listened to all four mixes and my favourite is the single mix, a dark alternative anthem for future generations with very similar sounds to the sisters of mercy, a must listen for your inner goth. Its vibrant, enthusiastic and hardworking, you can really feel the energy put into the music. - Everyday Partent


"Calling All Astronauts - Someone Like You review"

Calling All Astronauts début single ‘Someone Like You’ is a 4 track kaleidoscope of variation. The skeleton for all these mixes, the singles lead track has a charming classic goth sound with a curious tinny pulsing effect wrapping this appropriately spacey song. Lyrically ‘Someone Like You’ is defiantly individual with its hook “I don’t wanna be. I will never be. I don’t wanna be someone like you” and a vein of integrity running throughout against shallowness and treachery, which makes the most out of a line that otherwise packs something of a soft punch. Picking up steam in its third quarter with the Judas like “30 pieces of silver. 40 pieces of gold” leading into some bolstered and grittier guitars from JJ Browning(formerly of UK pop-punk outfit Caffeine), ‘Someone Like You’ manages to be rather gripping. The ‘Gtrs At 11' mix picks up the pace and feels like you’re travelling at breakneck speed but in spite of all its force loses its grasp on its vocals. The ‘Goth And Bass’ mix is a satisfying middle ground with some high speed whirling riffage ably provided by Croatian born bassist, Kristi Bury accompanying the echoed vocals of singer David B. The ‘Now That’s Not What I Call Electro’ mix has a laid back drum track backbone that seems reminiscent of early 90s electronica and a tad removed from what we’d call electro today, perhaps making it the most appropriately titled mix I’ve ever heard.
Calling All Astronauts manage to create a goth soaked sound with equal measures of electronics mixed in. On paper in this day and age you would expect something in the realms of EBM from this kind of description but C.A.A. deliver goth in the sense of the downbeat punk of the 80s with the electronic involvement filtering in in more of a Human League or Sigue Sigue Sputnik context. ‘Someone Like You’ doesn’t immediately give you anything to latch onto despite its impeccable craftsmanship but the ‘Goth And Bass’ mix certainly has legs. As a début release I wouldn’t knock C.A.A. just yet.They are trying something a little different and it’s always fun to see how that turns out. - Necromag


"Calling All Astronauts: Two Track Review"

The first thing that hits you about ‘Calling All Astronauts‘ is how different they are to a lot of today’s music scene. Gothic electro punk with politically charged lyrics.

‘Living In the Shadow of The Red Flag’ is a sonic explosion of samples and cleverly programmed beats and synths fused together with distorted guitar lines. Vocally the track veers from all out punk on the verse to a gothic refrain reminiscent in production, to this writer, of Sisters of Mercy’s ‘This Corrosion’. Delightful to hear.

‘Someone Like You’ has a cleaner sound. A time change in the track see the band keeping to the punk ethos while still maintaining the Goth style vocals. CAA have an interesting sound, combining elements from different genres to create their own unique brand.

What interests me is that these tracks are unmastered as yet and merely a hint of what is to come. The band features JJ Browning (previously of pop punkers Caffeine) and David B of rap-metallers US:UK, so they have the experience and the know how. A little time and planning and things could get loud.. I’m looking forward to hearing more material. - Nessymon.com


"Calling All Astronauts – live review"

number 53 in the LTW best new bands for 2011 Calling All Astronauts played live in London on Wednesday February 16th at the Bufallo Bar, Islington Sean Meredith was there to see them

As Highbury and Islington tube was being prepared to receive the triumphant Arsenal supporters being ejected from the Emirates Stadium the stage was being prepared for Calling All Astronauts.

Downstairs in the Buffalo Bar the crowd was gathering to see the band formed through a chance meeting of ex-Caffeine guitarist J.J.Browning and vocalist/programmer from rap-metallers US:UK, David B, at a Fulham petrol station. Kristi Bury was soon installed as bassist and so the three piece (four including the drum machine) post punk electro indie band ‘Calling All Astronauts’ was created.

I’ve attempted to describe the CAA sound a few times and have come back to read what I scribbled down only to shake my head and start over. The closest I’ve come to a half-decent overview is to take some early Human League, add some Cabaret Voltaire, and sprinkle in some Sisters of Mercy/PiL/Christian Death then add a dollop of Carl McCoy/Marilyn Manson/Chuck Mosely hybrid vocals. Then ignore all of that… even saying that it’s danceable industrial wont cover what I am trying to convey.

Enough of that – time for the live show!

As soon as they open with ‘Faith in your cause’ you get the CAA flavour. The mix of break beats dance loops, crunchy guitars, politically charged vocals and rumbling bass states their intention. ‘Faith in Your Cause’ reminds me of Marilyn Manson in his Antichrist Superstar hey-day with Killing Joke’s Geordie playing Billy Duffy guitar lines.

From there we head to ‘Living in the Shadow of the Red Flag’ – a track reminiscent of a more punk rock version of Sisters of Mercy.

By the time Calling All Astronauts reached ‘Freaks’ they seem to have settled in with David B stomping and gesturing to add emphasis to the message he’s putting out and J.J. attacking his guitar with singular purpose.

‘Someone Like You’ is CAA’s single which comes across as a mixture of Magazine and Wire with added dancability. The chanted refrain of “Faith, Hope, Trust, Treason” just adds to the hooks. I can see this single getting around pretty quickly.

An impressive show was made even more impressive when, upstairs on a post-show smoke break; I mentioned that this was only CAA’s second show. Mouths dropped open and cigarettes almost fell to the ground. This is testament to how sharp their sound is.

Don’t take my word for it – check them out for yourself on March 12th where there’ll be playing at Camden’s Barfly. Tell them I sent you.

Set List:
Faith in Your Cause
Living in the Shadow of the Red Flag
Freaks
It Could Have been Lust
Scenesters Vs The World
Someone Like You [single]
What’s so Good?
- Louder Than War


"Calling All Astronauts - Living In The Shadow Of The Red Flag/Someone Like You"

Chance meetings in all aspects of life can be rewarding but when it turns into something musically promising and suggestively exciting then it can be something that not only the people involved will benefit from but the masses. This certainly seems the case from the first two tracks emerging from London band Calling All Astronauts. The seeds for the band came when old friends met by chance in a Fulham Petrol Station and it looks like the rest will be history. Former Caffeine guitarist JJ Browning and David B from UK rap-metalers US:UK, and the friends in question, immediately bonded musically and once bassist Kristi Bury was brought in to complete a trio the moment was set for a new inventive band to start to emerge.

‘Living In The Shadow Of The Red Flag’ is a dark post punk electro track with B’s synth noises and samples floating around and withinBrowning’s expressive guitar strides and Bury’s bass probing over the programmed beats. It echoes of 80’s industrial indie punk and flavours of bands like Cabaret Voltaire, The Passage and even a hint of Joy Division come through to mesh with a modern indie electro sound.

The second track ‘Someone Like You’ is a different sample of what to expect from their forthcoming debut album ‘Post Modern Conspiracy’ with its deeper darker goth feel. Its electro beats and twists understated against the guitar and vocals combine to come off like a disturbed Sisters Of Mercy orPlay Dead. The band take, on both tracks, a retro dark 80’s sound and turn it inside out with a modern aggression and harder outlook and ideas to create something fresh. The lyrics on both tracks carry a similar angry political attitude whether worldly or personal as Gang Of Four once were renowned for though sound wise they are well apart, and one senses a touch of a twisted sense of satirical humour lies in wait too for our pleasure.

My only criticism is that I have to wait to enjoy what promises to be an intriguing and original album. This is more of a tease than a taste of what is forthcoming as Call All Astronauts show that DIY attitude to music is the way forward if you have the talent and heart which this trio certainly have in mass amounts. - Rock Pulse


Discography

"Someone Like You" - single released 20/11/2011
"Winter Of Discontent" - single out 24/6/2012
What's So Good? - single out 2/12/2012
"I Wanna Be Your Dog" - single out 25/1/13
"Post Modern Conspiracy" LP out March 2013

Photos

Bio

“Calling All Astronauts are one of the most exciting alternative rock bands in the UK right now, maybe the best”
The Ringmaster Review

Calling All Astronauts are politically charged Alt/Rock 3-piece that take their DIY ethics so seriously they have even built their own studio, featuring vocalist/programmer/producer David B, ex Caffeine guitarist J Browning and bassist Kristi Bury.
They were twice No.1 in the Twitter Music Charts in 2012 knocking Adele off the top spot on Xmas Eve to become Christmas 2012 No1. They have opened for Roger Daltrey, Echo & The Bunnymen, PWEI and A Place To Bury Strangers they also headlined and sold out, Alan Magee's Death2Disco at Notting Hill Arts Club.
Their debut single “Someone Like You” was played on numerous rock shows globally, they have also been guests on BBC 6 Music's Introducing with Tom Robinson and Ireland's RTE “Culture Café” The video of Someone Like You has so far received over 40,000 views on youtube. The "Guitars At 11 mix" of "Someone Like You" are featured on the covermount CD in the March '12 issue of Big Cheese Magazine, in a feature within the magazine they compared them to NIN, Mindless Self Indulgence & Marilyn Manson .
Their follow up single "Winter Of Discontent" was released on June 2012 and also gained a considerable amount radio play including BBC 6Music, RTE, Q Radio, Amazing Radio and great reviews.
The third CAA single "What's So Good?" was released on December 2nd features an outstanding remix by Echoboy Bounce and has just hit Number One in the Twitter Music Charts.
They have quickly followed up "What's So Good About?" with their fourth single, a cover of The Stooges "I Wanna Be Your Dog"
Their debut album "Post Modern Conspiracy" in out in March with further singles in April and June 2013.