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Monsoon: East of Asteroid

Moonsoon’s debut East of Asteroid is what I would call a book-ended record. The opener “Virtual Avenue” sets things off with energy and color, and the two-part closer “East of Asteroid” is easily the most ambitious and engaging piece here. Both show the band’s undeniable Floyd influence, but they use it more as a template to build their own textures and melodies, and that’s where they shine the most.

The middle stretch of the album, with songs like “Rays of Cosmic Embers” parts I and II, the solid “Crack Our Codes,” “The Nasty Man,” and “Ones and Zeroes”, feels like a guided tour through almost every Pink Floyd era. You can hear the echoes of early psychedelia, the brilliance of Meddle and Dark Side of the Moon, and the drama of The Final Cut and Gilmour’s later work, almost as if Moonsoon deliberately wanted to highlight both Waters and Gilmour’s fingerprints side by side. They don’t just copy, though; instead, they treat these influences as unfinished canvases, adding their own colors and flavors on top. The guest contributions, from saxophone and flute to female vocals, add extra depth without ever overshadowing the band.

At its core, East of Asteroid is a well-crafted record with talented players. Helge Nyheim’s vocals and drumming are central, Daniel Hauge shapes the sound with production and keys, and the invited guests lift the atmosphere in the right moments. This is tasty atmospheric prog played with heart and skill.

If I have one reservation, it’s that I’m starting to feel a little oversaturated with bands leaning so heavily on Pink Floyd’s shadow. Moonsoon clearly has the chops and the imagination to carve something more personal, and I hope they push further into their own identity next time. Still, as a debut, this is a strong and immersive listen that will please anyone who craves that Floydian atmosphere with a modern touch. Cheers.


Track Listing:
1. Virtual Avenue (4:07)
2. Rays of Cosmic Embers - Part I (2:48)
3. Rays of Cosmic Embers - Part II (3:25)
4. Crack our Codes - Prologue (1:25)
5. Crack our Codes (4:45)
6. The Nasty Man - Prologue (3:38)
7. The Nasty Man (4:05)
8. The Nasty Man - Epic-logue (2:01)
9. Ones and Zeroes (5:00)
10. East of Asteroid - Part I (2:40)
11. East of Asteroid - Part II (5:16)

Added: September 27th 2025
Reviewer: Jose Antonio Marmol
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 241
Language: english

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