God Is An Astronaut, You.May.Die.In.The.Desert at El Corazon

God Is An Astronaut

To See Rating 8.6 / 10
Just Curious Rating 8.0 / 10

Band Members
Torsten – Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards
Niels – Bass, Guitars, Visuals
Lloyd – Drums, Synths

KISS ME I’M IRISH!!! Well…not really, but GIAA came from Ireland, and they definitely deserve to be kissed. These men were as much craftsmen of music as they were of visual art. The band had images projected behind them at the El Corazon, Seattle WA show that were the perfect compliment as well as clues to the intention of the music.

With post-rock, ambiguity is a perk because the listener can make up whatever meanings they want. The thought of the band actually directing the thought process of interpretation might be intimidating, even scary at the thought of one loosing their attachment to songs they’ve grown dear to. Being directed by God Is An Astronaut with their visual art was an epic experience; it was atomic, latterly!  Matching the music’s energy were hypnotizing prisms of dropping bombs, explosions, and desolation.

All of the images weren’t of destruction, though. At times they picked me up by my heart strings and took me to what felt like a lucid, dreamlike state of mind. GIAA’s music took me from one place to another was like a celestial creature to spectacular to describe extended a hand to me and offered an opportunity to go to their land in outer-space. As soon as I was lured to reach out, I was immediately taken to a place so grand it could only be fictional and described only through feelings of pressure, fear, and a world of color; the soundscapes were so peaceful and serene. What a ride, what a dream. I wasn’t ready to wake up, but i will treasure the experience forever!

If you have the opportunity to see their live show, don’t miss it.

You.May.Die.In.The.Desert

To See rating 6.2 / 10
Just Curious rating 6.5 / 10

Band Members
Brandon Salter: Bass, Programming
Brian Woods: Guitars, Loops
Michael Clark: Drums, Percussion, Piano

This was a fun show! Right from the start it had lots of energy. YMDITD has come a long way since the 2005 two piece, and there were lots of different elements in this math infused post-rock trio. Brian woods formed loop structures like towers throughout their thirty-minute set that had the crowd very pleased. If you knew the music well, you would not have been disappointed with their performance; but if you were someone like me who enjoyed the band without yet having their music memorized, half to fun was figuring out where they were going to take you next musically; the other half is trying to figure out what progression could possibly be coming–they were full of surprises!

There was something in there for the closet math-rock lover in you that you don’t talk about anymore for fear of being labeled passé. I say this in a great way though! Being a Botch lover, i was reminded of the guitar tone used by Dave Knudson most recognizably used in “Swimming the Channel VS. Driving the Chunnel,” when YMDITD played Seagulls Sea Eagles. However, YMDITD definitely takes you to a place completely new, and very unique. They are a great example of taking advantage of great influences and making it your own. Nice work, You.May.Die.In.The.Desert! I had a great time, and I look forward to seeing future shows.