The Asteroids Galaxy Tour, Cargo, Shoreditch, London (2/3/09)

Danish alternative ska poppers, The Asteroids Galaxy Tour are a rare sight in the UK than well, asteroids... still I managed to spot these shooting stars in East London.

The band have slowly infused themselves into UK pop culture with ‘Around the Bend’ being used on an iPod Touch commercial, soundtrack contributions and Mette’s appearance on ‘Never Mind the Buzzcocks’. However it would seem 2009 will be an even bigger year for the eclectic Danes. A hearty crowd had gathered in anticipation of their blend of Euro pop synthesized reggae, and eventually the globe-travelling six-piece adorn the stage – styling a mixture of late Beatles, Rastafarian and Mette appearing not dissimilar to 80s icon Buggles, it’s

Label - Small Giants

Genre - Reggae, alternative, ska, big band production

The Asteroids Galaxy Tour’s MySpace

all go.

The band begin with the mildly popular, ‘Hero’ – an uncharacteristically solemn number which sadly draws minimal interaction from the watching audience. Mette looks every inch the modern popstar in a striking bottle-green dress as the Buggles glasses come off. Instantly you are struck by her impressive vocal range – this girl can sing.

The second tune, possibly titled ‘Sing’ brings out more of the band’s reggae vibe as this feel-good anthem surrounds the room. Incorporating a funky big band beat supported by the sounds of a trumpet, saxophone, guitar and synths, the Asteroids Galaxy Tour have many a musical string to their bow for a band that haven’t even released their debut record yet.

Lars and Mette, The Asteroids Galaxy Tour

Mette pauses to introduce the band as the crowd finally start warming up, as well they might, its one they’ll know, as the Asteroids begin the addictive ‘Around the Bend’. And there may have been not much room in this increasingly intimate venue, but that didn’t stop the audience pulsating to the funky vibes.

There is something instantly likeable about this quirky Danish group and each member seems to have a charismatic stage presence which should enable them to advance as far as they want to. Next up was ‘Bad Fever’ which features a more distorted style of singing with a progressive ska beat which is as discreet as it is pleasing as the audience quietly bops along.

Despite a slight technical hiccup, we were treated to a reggae rendition of Marvin Gaye classic, ‘Holler’ which was delivered faithfully in the new style and would have won the award for best song had it not been for the ridiculously catchy, ‘The Sun Ain’t Shining No More.’ This, their most memorable tune, finally restored rhythm to the floor. The Asteroids played a strong 45 minute set before returning for a short encore, which was a nice touch. It was a triumphant performance so if you need modern funky musical therapy, and if you can find them – make sure you hire the Asteroids Galaxy Tour. 8/10 CM