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.
MP3 Stream: "When It Comes To Us"
