Astro - 'Shell Star/Spica' 2x3"CDR

1. Shell Star
2. Spica (mp3 excerpt)

released March 5, 2004
limited edition of 100 copies - SOLD OUT

Reviews

Let's take a look at the package first: the discs are packed in a black box made of cork and sealed with velcro tape. Good-looking and innovative special packaging for a change. Then the actual content that is not less amazing: Astro is the solo project of Hiroshi Hasegawa who is best known for his work with C.C.C.C They're one of my very favourite noise bands, and I must say Astro isn't too far behind. I would call this psychedelic noise, as it's clearly noise, but it's kind of "soft" sounding (not weak by any means) and droning, and there's all kinds of echo effects and the sounds come in slow waves. It's probably made on analogue synthesizers and effects pedals. All frequencies are utilized well and the tracks (one long one on each disc) are constructed with thought and care. Shell Star is for the most part more noisy, whereas Spica is more ambient. They're both cosmic stuff in every way, and you will float away with the sound whether you want it or not. Of course this is highly recommended.
Taken from Dilettante's Digest (Musically Incorrect Fanzine) Issue 2

Astro's Shell Star/Spica (Cipher Productions) hides two three-inch CDs inside blocks of charcoal, like pepperboxes in a hollowed out Bible (which by now really ought to be the first place anyone would check). Subatomic squeeb fields swoop through brackish, collapsed atmospheres. Distressed transmission fragments linger in recesses, get sucked into Hiroshi Hasegawa's hot prickles, and projected elsewhere to devour more. Plumes of exhaust and interstellar waste cross-cross Shell Star/Spica, a franchise of interlocking Orobouros spirits. Free-rolling chains of space livers sniff out bombarded truffles drifting through the electromagnetic arboretum naked, defenseless, and delicious.
Taken from Bananafish

Now, this is a fucking gorgeous bit of sound. Astro`s quietest outing yet, but rich, beautiful, deeply haunting, icy-smooth, shimmering psychedelia.
The crystalline, analog-synth permutations meet expectations sound-wise, but exceed them in terms of quality. Looks good too, housed in this cool, black, wood box, a cute little fetish objet to go with your Merzbox.
Back to sound. Bell-like drones tremble and tumble into circular ringing squeegee and lavish, deep-sea quiver. Cascading chimes, scintillating starbursts, cavernous whispers. Leisurely builds and sighs, waves cresting and plummeting ever downward, reverberant upward sweeps, sparkling, glittering flow. Echoes of Stimbox in the pacing, deliciously sexy sweetness sucking the listener into an enchanting, aromatic, viscosity. Warm wet wispy waterlogged wavering washes whet the porn palette as luscious lubricated tongues elongate and lick lazily at gaseous baby-pucker harmonics, luxurious, strawberry-frosted sophistication and style.
Harshness 0.0
Density 6.9
Rawness 0.0
Craftsmanship 9.3
Spasticity 0.0
Harmonicaness 8.9
Taken from Mr Blumpy

Two mini cds, near twenty minutes each, makes for basically a full album. Ambient Space Noise. Our man Hiroshi Hasegawa is in complete control. The sound penetrates the ether, sprays in the void and leaves trails in the chasm. Some very sublime moments here; from minute sounding electro-gurgle to the full raging voidworm tearing space to streamers. It's great to hear someone who knows how to really play a synthesizer instead of just treating it like an eccentric background sound or a glorfied keyboard. A very crisp sound recorded Loud for extra Noise pleasure. Lots of echo on this giving it extra cosmic oomph. The missing link between Power Electronics and Klaus Shultze. This is what the universe really sounds like, so get used to it, it'll be all you hear when you die. Editions are limited sadly (you should see the packaging; very classy), but this one is worth it.
Taken from Taped Crusaders