The Aliens reviewed
The Aliens
Astronomy For Dogs
(Astralwerks)
Despite the wonder contained on their first album (technically a compilation of EPs), The Beta Band can be viewed as a failure. By intentionally throwing fans off their scent, they were never able to refocus in time for people to really start caring again. Which makes Astralwerks’ decision to green-light The Aliens seem like a big risk.
An even bigger risk is Gordon Anderson, who was siphoned off of the band after he encountered psychological problems. Largely viewed as The Beta Band’s own Syd Barrett (he co-wrote “Dry The Rain”), his acid-casualty reputation was exacerbated by the scattershot Lone Pigeon albums he clandestinely released. Then when the first song on The Aliens’ debut sounds like a Roky Erickson-esque, Johnny-come-lately garage rock toss off, things don’t look so good.
But three minutes into that track, “Setting Sun,” The Byrds seem to check in solely for the bridge, and that window opens the album right up — and wide. The following “Robot Man” is an intergalactic dance party, funneling G-funk and Madchester through the same speakers, invoking the Betas’ old drone rap and somehow Poi Dog Pondering. Less than two songs in and Astronomy For Dogs has already spun off its axis, but with The Beta Band as a counterpoint, it has done so completely within the confines of song. The band’s cortexes are masturbating for sure, but not nearly as cynically and contemptibly as 10 years ago. The segue into “I Am The Unknown” is much easier — almost the same song, but coming down — and the kaleidoscope pauses long enough to invite The Byrds again (“Tomorrow”), an ELO-knocking love song (“She Don’t Love Me No More”), and lush psychedelics (“Honest Again”). The Jerk Store does eventually call to reclaim the 16-minute “Caravan,” but as salvaged legacies go, Astronomy might just help these guys reach the stars again.
— Steve Forstneger
Click here to watch a Real Audio stream of the “Robot Man” video.
