The Politics Of Ecstasy

Astralasia are a magnificent blend of Ambient-Dub and Tribal House and a few other influences thrown in for good measure.
The band, which initially grew as an offshoot band of the Magic Mushroom Band with whom they share members, has released a number of well-received albums, which since their second album have been released on their own Magik Eye record label. Initially the band were only a part time affair with most of the members concerning themselves with the Magic Mushroom Band however their debut album caused quite a stir and the band were encouraged to continue Astralasia alongside the Mushroom Band.

Their debut album was originally released on the fungus label in 1990. The band all have suitably cosmic pseudonyms like Swordfish, Nosmo, Kim OZ and Moonboot although one early member was Jason Relf son of Yardbirds vocalist Keith Relf. Jason had also worked in the Magic Mushroom band and initially was part of the Astralasia set up but moved on to his own projects soon after the formation of Astralasia.

The current line up however has been stable for a number of years and in fact has become a full time proposition since 1994 when the Magic Mushroom Band was put on indefinite hold which will explain why the band have been so prolific over the last few years.

However in 1995 founder members Gary "Moonboot" Masters and Kim "OZ" Masters left the band to concentrate on their own project Moonboot OZ. Pitched Up At The Edge Of Reality was the bands third album originally released in 1993 and whilst only being the bands third album it is easy to see that the band have forged an identity away from the Magic Mushroom band and is seen as a band in it's own right rather than a side project or offshoot. Pitched On The edge Of Reality features the tracks "Celestial Ocean", "Twilight World" and "Principles Of Pleasure". The album is a definite move forward from the bands first tentative steps of just three years previous.

The Politics Of Ecstasy as with the other Astralasia re issues in the series has been re mastered for this release.

1. The Politics of Ecstasy
2. Warp Factor 7
3. Realise Your Purpose
4. Fantasize to Realise
5. The Void
6. Psilocybe Semianceati
7. Celestial Dream Sequence
8. Strange Celestial Dream
9. Turn of the Tide
 

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