Spectrum of Infinite Scale
Countless instrumental records later, Man or Astroman? have seemingly chosen "Astroman" as their modus operandi. The skeweredVenturessurf-rock riffs are still lurking in the mix, but the emphasis these days is on space travel. The song titles themselves grow in length and absurdity ("Obligatory Part 2 Song In Which There Is No Presently Existing Part 1, Nor the Plans to Make One" is a personal fave), but the sonic jousting is focused on a propulsive bull's-eye that ensures these tunesrock, no matter how much they meander. They are, perhaps, the only band to incorporate aPink Floydinfluence without turning their music into ambient environmental music for superior plant growth. Instead, with the help of gurgling synthesizers, hyperelectrified lap-steel guitars, and short-wave radio interference, Man or Astroman? continue their search for life beyond standard three-chord rock, and they find it.--Rob O'Connor