Astralasia Biography

Overview

Biography

Songs

Music

Volumes 1 & 2

The Hawkwind Re-Mixes [Import]

This UK trance outfit was formed in the late 80s by Marc Swordfish (keyboards), Kim "Oz" Russell (vocals) and Gary "Moonboot' Masters (guitar), with other members including Ed Bones (guitar), Wayne Manor (bass), Chris Hayne (keyboards), Jason Relf (keyboards) and Sam Turner (violin). Relf's father was the late Keith Relf, singer with the original Yardbirds. Astralasia was originally only a part-time concern, with the members concentrating on their main musical outlet, the Magic Mushroom Band, a psychedelic space pop unit formed in 1982 by Russell, Masters and guitarist Gary Twining. Critical acclaim for 1990"s self-titled debut persuaded the musicians to continue working as Astralasia, although by this point Relf had departed to form Booma (with Scott James). He later released solo records as Solar Plexus and Tangled Feet. Led by musical mastermind/producer Swordfish, Astralasia was among the early pioneers of UK trance, rejoicing in a mystical blend of ambient and dub with song titles such as "Celestial Dream Sequence", "The Spark Of Life" and "Astral Navigation'. Astralasia's first release on their own Magick Eye label was 1992's The Politics Of Ecstacy, although it was 1994"s Whatever Happened To Utopia? that represented the creative highpoint of the band's original direction. The Mushroom Band was put on hold at this point to allow the members to concentrate on Astralasia, but the following year founder-members Moonboot and Oz left to form Moonboot Oz.

From 1996's The Seven Pointed Star onwards Swordfish began steering Astralasia into full-on psychedelic trance territory, in response to changes in the global dance scene. The ensuing White Bird introduced a greater vocal content and a more commercial emphasis but was their last studio appearance for several years. Swordfish and Astralasia returned in 2001 with the slick Something Somewhere, their first release for Transient Records. Swordfish has also worked with UK folk singer Judy Dyble.

Source: The Encyclopedia of Popular Music by Colin Larkin. Licensed from Muze.