Astrolabe came to me via Asian Man Dan’s blog and I love it. The fact that it’s coming out of Japan is almost irrelevant because it would sit so well alongside music coming out on Kitsune, Moshi Moshi, Bang Gang 12″s etc. It’s not a scene specific sound but it’s the newer tracks coming out and the background influences that I think are an indication of what is to come from the kids in Japan.

Astrolabe is a one man band using old school and new computers with samples to make music. At the moment it’s just a studio project but once there’s enough material a live show is on the cards.

Like a lot of the electronic music coming out of Japan Astrolabe is influenced by Yellow Magic Orchestra and their eclectic style as well as old school Frenchies like SpAce. He also uses a lot of samples from 80’s jpop groups.

The first track is “A Trial Run” and I’ve been playing it at the start of my sets for a few weeks, I crush on that “Get Ready” sample.. Such great samples, such a great track. Reminds me of the new G.L.O.V.E.S. track I mentioned a while ago too.

Astrolabe - A Trial Run

I am digging the sax in this track. I’ve been hearing some great sax solos recently, bring it on.

Astrolabe - Flag

Astrolabe - This Emergency

Astrolabe is chilling in the studio at the moment making new originals. Drop him a line on myspace.

If you know any rad Japanese groups we should be checking out drop us a line in the comments or at music@electrorash.com

xox
ned