Hailing from Chicago, musician Ben Astrachan has previously founded two bands called Astro Heart and Berta Bigtoe while also occasionally performing with artists such as Rudy De Anda, Smushie, Pyzow!, Butthole, The Humble Cheaters and No Lonesome. Along side his collaborative work, he’s also bringing to life his own sonic vision via his solo recording project, working under his last name, Astrachan.
Astrachan’s musical fabric sees him ponder love, adventure and friendship in his songwriting output. Each song he pens recounts a unique tale, capturing the moments that have etched themselves onto his heart and in his memory. Through his sonic creations, Astrachan transforms these experiences into audible stories, allowing listeners to feel his experiences through song.
In 2020 he unveiled the project with his first single, the collaborative track “Catskill” with Berta Bigtoe. Following up later that year with the ten track record Pen Pals with Ryan Gebhardt, the next year he dropped his first full solo album with the eponymous LP Astrachan.
With a string of singles released since then, he’s now lined up a brand new album set to drop on the 7th of May. Ahead of the upcoming release, he’s been sharing single releases and now brings us the track titled “Ladakh” lifted from his self-titled album.
Serving up a superb dose of his charming indie pop sound with subtle psychedelic undertones, “Ladakh” delivers a playful sound that sits at the crossroads of the unique creative works of artists like the Beatles and Tame Impala. Opened by the intricate plucks of acoustic guitar, the shuffle of drums ushers in the full band sound of walking bass lines, fluttering flute flourishes and soft vocalisations.
With colourful instrumental embellishments from the stabbed electronic piano chords and lilting woodwind lines, Astrachan’s laid back vocals thread smooth leads above to craft a highly enjoyable slice of whimsical pop music. Shades of chamber pop and alternative folk filter through a retro lens to create a truly delightful musical experience that develops with shifting tempos and builds excitement for Astrachan’s upcoming full-length record.
Listen to Ladakh below
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