"San Francisco based Astral have deep rooted influences in
Joy Division and My Bloody Valentine, as proven by their full-length
debut, Orchids. Dave Han (vocal/guitar) has a whispering approach
that cuts to the heart while every other sense is swirling in an
array of dreaminess. Turn Me Around is Astrals Only Shallow, a stereo
assault of bleeding feedback and driving post-punk percussion courtesy
of Shawn Poh. Other standout tracks include Blinder, the affecting
Orchids, and Under Lock And Key, all showcasing a very 4AD bent
to shoegaze. Astral could easily fit onto a Merge, Matador, or 4AD
roster, because theyre the essence of dream rock, stuck in the late
80s and playing their reverbed hearts out. Orchids has a very classic
tone to it while representing the face of what modern shoegaze has
become. I like this little 3-piece, and hopefully I wont be the
only one." --The Black and White Magazine