Astralasia are a magnificent blend of Ambient –Dub and Tribal House and a few other influences thrown in for good measure.
The band, which initially grew as an offshoot of the Magic Mushroom Band, has released a number of well-received albums. Initially the band were only a part time affair with most of the members concerning themselves with the Magic Mushroom Band however their debut album caused quite a stir and the band were encouraged to continue Astralasia alongside the Mushroom Band.
Astralasia’s debut album was originally released on the fungus label in 1990. The band at the time all had suitably cosmic pseudonyms like Swordfish, Nosmo, Kim OZ and Moonboot although one early member was Jason Relf son of Yardbirds vocalist Keith Relf. Jason had also worked in the Magic Mushroom band and initially was part of the Astralasia set up but moved on to his own projects soon after the formation of Astralasia.
One of the originators of the acid-house rave revolution, and major player in the trance scene across The UK and Europe. Early appearances include many Techno and underground parties at venues and clubs such as Megatripolis, Escape from Samsara, Whirl-Y-Gig, Return to The Source, and the Shamen's Synergy raves. Astralasia have appeared at Womad, Glastonbury and Phoenix Festivals, and appeared on many compilations such as Big Chill Classics, as well as having toured extensively across the UK and Europe. The band now has a formal live line up and are taking bookings for 2008.
The current line up as of 2007 however, has evolved over the past few years and now has 8 members who play live with the band . Cluster of Waves is the latest album from Astralasia and features eight previously unreleased tracks including Deadly Virtue, Searching, Ashra Rising, Peace and Love and Cluster of Waves at The Devilles Bridge. The album features performances from all the band members; Phoebe on flute/vocals, Giles the voice/vocals; Pete Pracownik with slide/atmospheric guitar; Steve B with sultry saxophone; Paul Chousmer plays melodious keys and a guest appearance from former Hawkwind and David Bowie band member Simon House who features on violin. New and talented vocalist Rachel Miller also makes a subtle first appearance...more from her in the next album!! All woven together as if by magic by producer Swordfish.
www.astralasia.co.uk