Melding progressive and psychedelic rock with seamless cohesion, Your Star Smells Like Mine is the new album from Vienna-based artist Alexander Nantschev. Heartfelt string arrangements, delicate piano lines, and dynamic guitar work feature throughout this compelling release — emphasizing the artist’s self-described “progadelic” sound, which takes inspiration from both classical artists like Vivaldi and Mozart in addition to The Beatles (whose tracks “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” and “Within You Without You” first drew a young Nantschev into psychedelic music).
Kicking off the album, “Cloud Nine” melds shining organs and melodic guitar riffs. The alluring vocals implore to “look into that crystal ball,” as the instrumentation escalates in intensity and tempo. Soaring strings ensue, crafting a sound reminiscent of ELO, while the magnetic vocal work throughout reminds fondly of Gruff Rhys in tone. “Madman” follows with a more ballad-ready, somber feeling as ghostly vocals are complemented by melancholic strings and stately piano. Jangly guitars enter with haunting immersion as the percussion intensifies and arrives into a soaring invigoration past the two-minute turn. The album impresses across various vocalists and soundscapes, and the strong opening two tracks certainly showcase those strengths.
A multitude of standout songwriting continues throughout. “Eternity” proves commanding with its liberating lyrical prowess and multi-vocal power, melding with sturdy guitar work into an enchanting mid-point — where frolicking piano and cinematic strings provide a sweeping sense of mystique. “Space Mussel” also compels as the album finale, being another showcase of illuminated piano-driven passion. Your Star Smells Like Mine is a gripping overall success, full of emotion and theatrical “progadelic” vigor, from Alexander Nantschev.
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“Cloud Nine” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
