You’d be forgiven if you thought this, the debut single from the London-based band Astraba, was a lost treasure from the 1970s, when glistening guitars frequently wafted from stacked speakers as if a late-night fog—or the ‘80s, when textured psychedelia sometimes soaked through the soul as if the early morning mist. Add an intoxicating lead vocal and ethereal harmonies and, well, what can be said beyond this: It’s a remarkable outing. Listening to the song this morning for what must be the umpteenth time since Friday, it conjures such erstwhile forebears as David Roback’s pre-Mazzy Star band, Opal, and Fleetwood Mac. It’s quite cool.
For those looking for more contemporary comparisons: They’d fit well on a playlist alongside the Salarymen, Honeyglaze and Sunday (1994), among others. They’re simultaneously modern and retro, low-key yet riveting. “Sink the Moon” is a perfect song for both late nights and early mornings.
The band consists of Emily Lissack on lead vocals and guitar, Willow Cunningham on backing vocals and keyboards, Alastair Wheelhouse on guitar, and…who knows? It does appear that, prior to this project, those three were in a band called Blue Akimbo—there’s a cool YouTube video from a few years back of them performing Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams,” at any rate.
The Old Grey Cat 
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