Asteria – Momentum
Release Date: September 14, 2010
Record Label: Unsigned
I’ve stated before that if I had unlimited resources I would start up my own record label. Why? So I could sign and put out my favorite unsigned bands records. The first two I would sign are The Narrative and Asteria. The Narrative released one of the best albums you’ll hear in 2010. And Asteria's new album, Momentum, has joined that list. 3 albums and 1 EP deep, it's time for more people to recognize the talented Crown Point, Indiana, quintet, whom continue to mature and evolve, as Momentum is a progression from their 2008 self-titled EP.
You’ll be impressed with Momentum whether you’re familiar or not with the band’s previous material. Flowing more in the vein of The Graduate and The Starting Line, Asteria sets the tempo immediately with the thundering “Intro,” which flows seamlessly into the guitar-driven “Pawns In Chess.” The confident vocals of Terrence Kline lead the way on the huge-sounding “Hold On (God Damn),” while the upbeat tempo of “Take Me Away” will please the senses.
“Heartbreaker” is a brooding mid-tempo rocker, as the rhythm section consisting of drummer Sam Henderson and bassist Brandon McQuen provide the backbone. “Chutes & Ladders” is reminiscent of Direction-era Starting Line, and the infectious chorus in “Just Another Letdown” will be renting out the space in your ear canal. The vicious “Shake It Off” is one of the best songs in the band’s entire discography, as Seth Henderson and Ryan Gullett duke it out over dueling guitars (they dominate "A Beautiful Night For A Showdown" as well). Asteria slows it down and show off their improved musicianship with the powerful “Candles,” and close the album with the simple yet effective acoustic ditty “Northbound & Down.”
Signed or not, Asteria has created one of the best albums the scene will hear all year. This isn’t some new band trying to jump on the latest trend to make a quick buck, rather Momentum is a genuine rock album full of integrity and honesty. Asteria’s fingerprints are all over this – from the promotion to the production, the band carries themselves in a way that most young bands don’t. It’s incredible to hear the strides the bands has made from 2007’s Slip Into Something More Comfortable to this. Here at AbsolutePunk, one of our motto’s is “your new favorite band could be just a click away.” With Momentum, Asteria is that band.
Great review.
I haven't heard this band, but after this review I plan to take a listen to at least the clips on amazon.mp3 and see whether I want to buy it. You have me interested.
I also really enjoy the reviews being given to unsigned bands. Coming from a small band from Raleigh, NC, it gives me hope for our future. Keep it up.
Amazing band and a great bunch of dudes to talk to. I really hope this cd gets them where they want to be. They earned it and should be rewarded for being one of the only bands puts out music that is good.
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