split

The Lilys and Aspera Ad Astra…old school vs. new school. Perhaps the only thing that these two bands have in common is that they are both based in Philly. Yeah sure, Kurt Heasley of The Lilys and Matt Werth of Aspera have played together in the buzz-worthy Mazarin but the similarities end there. Nonetheless, the eight tracks presented here (4 from The Lilys, 4 from Aspera Ad Astra) are a cohesive and comprehensive documentation of yesteryear's underground and tomorrow's new sound. Not much is known to us about the tracks presented here by The Lilys. What we do know is that they were recorded in late '93/early '94 by Art DeFuria (The Lilys, Photon Band). Don't expect the signature Kinks-esque sounds of The Lilys' more recent recordings or the krautrockish experimentalism of the band's "Bliss Out" album on Darla. Rather, these songs symbolize the indie pop side to The Lilys. The closest comparison would be "Eccsame the Photon Band" – a landmark album filled with dream pop soundscapes and soft, distanced vocals. The 4 tracks represented here are in that vein and incorporate some of the finer elements of bands like Slowdive, My Bloody Valentine, and other U.K. shoegazer purveyors. Of course, The Lilys' respect for The Kinks and The Beach Boys manages to shine through as well. Aspera Ad Astra's 4 tracks represent a remarkable progression from the band's debut album ("Peace") released on AudioInformationPhenomena in 1998. While their debut leaned more in the direction of ethereal spacerock, these 4 tracks flaunt Aspera's divergent musical influences and capabilities. From '60s pop to Kid Silver-esque rock to a style all their own, Aspera Ad Astra are hitting the new millennium with a whole new sound. Complicated song structures built on catchy bass lines, classic guitar licks, experimental electronics and thoughtful lyrics unite for a listening experience that will appeal to fans of straight ahead rock and experimental indie rock.

Listen to an Aspera Ad Astra mp3 on the split.