The Drunk Astronomer – Octopi (2023)
The brainchild of UK-based singer-songwriter Nathan Fox, The Dream Astronomer blends indie-pop, dream-pop and psychedelia in his unique sound. Described by notable publications as “…intriguing new music” (York Calling) and “…the perfect addition to any indie playlist” (Senocular Media), Fox is turning heads across the globe. The latest addition to his well-received discography is the EP, Octopi.
Following his critically acclaimed debut single ‘Every Body’, the four-track EP is a dreamy escape into a fun-filled, hazy world with brightly coloured lights floating before your face. Influenced by artists like The Beatles, Neil Young and Bob Dylan, The Drunk Astronomer has a pop-inspired sound that is evident in Octopi. Embracing his inner Beatles, the songs on Octopi have a light-hearted, laidback tone; however, The Drunk Astronomer also taps into his inner Paul McCartney exploring elements of intimacy and obscurity in this release. He explains that “without much thought for what would come after, I decided to write four songs and record them at a local studio. I wanted to have fun and pretend to be a Beatle for a little while. I did all of that and came away with an EP that I’m immensely proud of and I hope people will give it a chance…”
Recorded at Church Lane Studios with producer Matt Davison and mixing engineer Ade Barwick, Octopi offers four songs that have simultaneous bouncy fun with intimate meaning. In an interview with York Calling, The Drunk Astronomer spoke about his inspiration for Paul McCartney to “…use different voices and create characters…” In the number, ‘El Gato and the Multiverse’, The Drunk Astronomer adopts an “Antonio Banderas…in the film Puss In Boots” character to capture our imaginations like a child intrigued by an exciting bedtime story.
To support his jovial vocals with a powerful melody, The Drunk Astronomer is joined by violin and viola player Emily Harding and Matt Davison on piano. Fusing with the heart-warming guitar and drums, Harding’s strings bring a further sense of intimacy to ‘Her Hair (Is The Colour Of A Sunset). In the interview with York Calling, The Drunk Astronomer notes that this is “…my first attempt at a straight up, schmaltzy love song…a big melodramatic sound…” As with ‘The Manager’ and ‘Every Body’, ‘Her Hair (Is The Colour Of A Sunset)’ has a bit of a melancholic tinge but is simultaneously warm in its richness.
Sincere, sentimental and anthemic with its relaxed vibes, The Drunk Astronomer intoxicates us with his debut EP Octopi.
For more from The Drunk Astronomer, check out his Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
