Brighton’s vibrant music scene welcomes another rising star as celestial prog-psych-rock singer-songwriter Astral Gray drops his highly anticipated debut album, ‘The Past Is In The Way’. Known for his distinctive blend of 70s-infused soundscapes, prog and psychedelic undertones, and introspective songwriting, Astral Gray has been captivating audiences across the city and beyond.
With a repertoire built on emotive, thoughtful tracks, Astral Gray has honed his craft through numerous gigs in Brighton, sharing stages with acclaimed acts such as Sugar Candy Mountain, Derya Yildirim, and The New Eves. Now, with the release of his debut album, he steps into the spotlight with renewed vigor and creative vision.
Leading the charge is his latest single, ‘Mirror On The Wall’, a mesmerizing track that exemplifies Astral Gray’s sonic prowess. Drenched in swirling organs, psychedelic guitar tones, and deliberate drum beats, the song delivers a nostalgic yet contemporary sound reminiscent of iconic acts like The Doors and Pink Floyd, with a modern twist akin to Father John Misty and Arctic Monkeys.
Talking about the single “Mirror On The Wall is a reflection of all the things I loathe about myself and the landscape of the modern political world, like the stubbornness of humanity and our impending doom.”
Continuing to talk about the album, he adds: “The Past Is In The Way (Album) is an introspective, celestial psych rock LP, that I hope would leave the listener questioning themselves and governments, but also, how they perceive certain concepts of our society like the growing need for perfectionism in a culture that is very tough to navigate.”
Already earning accolades from tastemakers and garnering support from BBC Introducing, Astral Gray has become a fixture in Brighton’s music scene. His packed-out shows and growing fanbase speak volumes about the resonance of his music and the anticipation surrounding his debut album.
As ‘The Past Is In The Way’ takes centre stage, Astral Gray cements his status as one of Brighton’s most promising singer-songwriters. With its blend of ethereal melodies, emotion driven songwriting and thought-provoking lyricism, the album is poised to captivate audiences far beyond the shores of this coastal city, establishing Astral Gray as a name to watch in the realm of celestial prog-psych-rock.
Listen to the full album below: