Sci-fi fans may recall the concept of "Ashtar Command" that emerged in the 1950's - an intergalactic U.N. with the mission of assisting the human race in a time of crisis. Think evolution by enlightenment, which makes the name a fitting metaphor for the band and what they're trying to accomplish. American Sunshine, Ashtar Command's debut album, evolved organically, a labor of love from veteran musicians Chris Holmes and Brian Liesegang, American Sunshine is an expansive and coherent album that defies being reduced to a single genre. ...show more

Sci-fi fans may recall the concept of "Ashtar Command" that emerged in the 1950's - an intergalactic U.N. with the mission of assisting the human race in a time of crisis. Think evolution by enlightenment, which makes the name a fitting metaphor for the band and what they're trying to accomplish. American Sunshine, Ashtar Command's debut album, evolved organically, a labor of love from veteran musicians Chris Holmes and Brian Liesegang, American Sunshine is an expansive and coherent album that defies being reduced to a single genre.

Nick Drake could come to mind, as well as the Chemical Brothers. Spiritualized could be seen in there as well as The Beach Boys. There are songs of exquisite beauty and ones that unabashedly rock. The project features a remarkable group of guest artists.

Working in identical studios in Los Angeles and Chicago respectively, the duo sent songs back and forth thereby growing fleeting ideas into full-fledged songs. The group enlisted musicians that seemed to suit the individual songs - people they had worked with or been friends with for years. They were joined by guest vocalists Joshua Radin (whose debut album was produced by Holmes) on "Mark IV," Alex Ebert of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros ("Save Me"), Har Mar Superstar ("That's How It Is") and Rachel Yamagata ("Blister of the Spotlight"). The dreamy "Rosa," already in heavy rotation at Los Angeles' KCRW, is one of two tracks featuring Priscilla Ahn, while Z Berg's crystal clear vocals provide a stunning counterpoint to the throbbing groove on "Gravity." Other guest artists include: Matt Walker (Filter, The Smashing Pumpkins) on drums, Solomon Walker (Morrissey) on bass, Mike Garson (David Bowie) playing piano, drummer Joey Waronker (Beck, R.E.M.), Oliver Kraus (Beth Orton) on cello, Stewart Cole (Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros) on horns. ...show less