Spain’s First Astronaut
Snappy Little Numbers, 2021
9/10
Listen to Spain’s First Astronaut
A very unusual duo from Denver, New Standards Men, i.e. Drew Bissell and Jeremy Brashaw, create a highly interesting mashing of noise, psychedelia, jazz and post-rock that was very well received on their recent album, I Was A Starship.
Here, we’re treated to a companion album that was recorded during the same sessions as I Was A Starship, where a pair of improvised, lengthy tracks unfold with precise, dynamic and exciting music.
“Spain’s First Astronaut I” starts the album and spends nearly 20 minutes with playful brass that ranges from soulful to screechy alongside bouncy bass work and stunning drum acrobatics that are generally busy, sometimes even frantic.
The other track, “Spain’s First Astronaut II”, sometimes borders on free jazz as tumbling drums and plenty of atmosphere finds its way into dreamy territory. Closer to the end of the song, the scene gets a bit more ominous, as sludgy nods enter the diverse landscape.
Bissell and Brashaw are joined by Bob Bucko Jr., Ike Turner, and Luke Tweedy, as they turn improvisation into a refined art form on this extremely charming listen that anyone with an ear for the unconventional will appreciate.
Travels well with: Empty Palace- Secret Names; Matterhorn- Outside