Search - Deastro :: Moondagger

Blown away

0=0 | Earth | 06/02/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've never heard of Deastro, or the young man behind the project, Randolph Chabot until recently stumbling upon the promo for this lp a couple of weeks before the release of "Moondagger". Honestly, this album is nothing short of amazing. From what I understand, Chabot, who is a bit of an electronic music whiz, teamed up with a full-on band for the past year and cranked out the material you hear on Moondagger. While the electronic element is still very much present, the songs throughout have lots of singing from Chabot, who sounds somewhat like New Order's Bernard Sumner, and even Echoboy in some tracks. In fact, it's been a long time since an lp blew me away like the first time I listened to New Order's "Substance" years ago, and the production, the vocals and the keen merging of electronic, dance and rock elements reminds me of New Order's best moments. Still, even though such a comparison was intended as a compliment, I don't want to disservice Moondagger by making it sound as if Chabot is aping the sounds from a bygone era, much like many of his contemporaries are doing. I don't even know if he is into New Order and the better sounds from the eighties. According to his bio, the guy's father is a preacher and he grew up singing in the church. Whether this had an influence on the soaring, upbeat, dense tracks throughout, or not is anyone's guess. I do know that this release is not to be ignored, especially in an age when generic "idols" who sing tired, recycled renditions of other people's songs, devoid of life and originality are extremely popular. Much like the beautiful, intricately colored, layered, patterned landscape collage work which accompanies Moondagger, the music on this release is a work of art, capable of bringing listeners to new heights. Album of the year perhaps? Album of the decade, even. Do not miss it!"

Deastro - a new synth whiz kid to keep your eye on

Michael Paulsen | Rancho Santa Margarita, CA USA | 06/02/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Deastro is in essence the one-man synth army of Randolph Chabot Jr. This one is a vast improvement over his debut KEEPER'S in terms of the levels and production but still maintains the rough, indie spirit. This is a true synthpop gem to behold and assures a promising future for Mr. Chabot. Check out "Parallelogram", "Tone Adventure #3", "Kurgan Wave Number One" (hints of New Order here), "Vermillion Plaza" and the much easier-on-the-ears re-working of the brilliant "The Shaded Forests" that first appeared on KEEPER'S. This one is not to be missed in the round-up of terrific '09 releases!"