In these internet file-sharing days, one of the remaining
avenues for an act's financial independence is to be a soundtrack favorite for
films, television, and/or commercials - especially that last one.Instead of another old media company footing
the bill, it's any company that advertises - i.e., any company.And your tune isn't one of a bunch playing in
the background of some dramatic scene (or worse, the credits...), but the only
song in the ad, front and center.The
Asteroids Galaxy tour began riding that wave by being featured in the king of
all sonic kingmaker ads - the Apple ad - but have since moved up to even being
physically in the commercial with Heineken (link).Unfortunately, their
big-band bop/rock doesn't feel as original with sophomore album, Out of Frequency.
The Danish act still standout in sound compared to other
groups out there, with their mix of upstroke ska and dancetronica - ‘ska for
people who don't like ska anymore.’But
the winning originality of such songs as "The Sun Ain't Shining No More" and iPod ad jingle "Around
the Bend" on 2009 debut
Fruit (QRO review) isn't as active here, as it can feel kind of simplistic
on Frequency's title track and
others.It never gets bad, and is
consistently enjoyable, but songs like "Dollars In the Night", "Heart Attack",
and "Mafia" wear thin.There are stabs
at something more, both for better (relaxed "Suburban Space", bop/funk closer
"When It Comes To Us") and worse (bass-heavy funk with psych "Theme From 45
Eugenia").
If The Asteroids Galaxy Tour didn't grow on Out of Frequency, maybe that's ‘cause
they didn't need to - they still don't sound like anyone else, and their sound
is still enjoyable.Or maybe all that
commercial money is keeping them sittin' pretty.
Click here for photos of The Asteroids Galaxy Tour at 2011 Culture Collide Festival in Los Angeles, CA in the QRO Concert Photo Gallery
In these internet file-sharing days, one of the remaining
avenues for an act's financial independence is to be a soundtrack favorite for
films, television, and/or commercials - especially that last one.
Fueled with Voodoo Doughnuts, Alcoholic Faith Mission
delivered to a rockin' crowd in Portland.
Those lucky enough to
enter the House of Blues Boston took a spacey journey
that felt like one long dream starting with opening act I Break Horses.
The student-filled O2 Academy in Manchester started heaving
forward the instant the visual art showed "The Cribs" on the backdrop.
