[gtranslate]
Music

The Drunk Astronomer’s ‘Octopi’ EP: a cosmic indie-pop delight

The Drunk Astronomer’s debut EP Octopi, released on February 9th, features four of Nathan Fox’s spellbinding songs.

Nathan Fox, from Ripon in North Yorkshire, England, started playing guitar in indie bands at age 15. In his early twenties, he began releasing music under the moniker The Drunk Astronomer.

Recorded at Church Lane Studios, produced by Matt Davison and Mixed by Ade Barwick, Octopi is a breathtaking amalgamation of indie pop sonics, harkening back to the likes of Jens Lekman, but with a synth-laden sheen reminiscent of the Fab Four. It’s an earworm-laden and emotionally stirring offering, anchored by the standout track El Gato, a delightful alt-indie pop confection that radiates with a sense of cosmic universality. With its irresistibly catchy hooks and heartwarming lyrical content, Octopi is a truly wholesome delight that’s bound to satisfy any discerning music aficionado’s cravings. 

Nathan Fox
Credit:

Octopi opens with his single Every Body, released on December 16, 2022. Every Body is a description of the human body. Its lyrics are simple and calming and Fox adds a depth that poetically captures the complexity of the human anatomy.

The EP’s second track, The Manager, presents itself as a “character song” about a generic manager. During the writing process, Fox began with the chorus line: “I am your manager, your soul-destroyed admonisher” and worked backwards. According to Fox, the song was likely influenced by The Beatles, as well as Alan Hull, who he was listening to at the time.

The inspiration for El Gato came from a bedtime story Fox made up for his son. He compares it to songs like The Beatles’ Yellow Submarine – fun and lighthearted, but with a psychedelic edge. Its dreamlike lyrics create vivid and captivating scenes that could be likened to a children’s book or fairytale.

Octopi’s final track Her Hair (is the colour of a sunset)’, featuring Emily Harding on violin and viola, is Fox’s first attempt at writing a straight-up love song. It achieves a perfect balance between the love-struck vibe of a clichéd love song, and Fox’s desire to add “humour and silliness”. Fox also claims he wanted to create “the most vomit inducing key change” in the final chorus.

The Drunk Astronomer

Fox’s unique lyrics, paired with his compelling vocals, writing talent and storytelling skills create an almost surreal collection of songs. Despite their vastly different subject matter, they all fit together to create a truly stunning EP.

Consider it a must-listen for anyone seeking a sonic journey that’s both intellectually stimulating and emotionally fulfilling.

Listen to Octopi below: