Astra (band)
Astra is a rock band from San Diego, California. Their sound is in the style of the 1970s progressive rock and psychedelic rock, and includes a variety of synthesizers, mellotron and long jams.
Astra | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Silver Sunshine (2001-2006) |
| Origin | San Diego, California, USA |
| Genres | Progressive rock, psychedelic rock, space rock |
| Years active | 2001–present [1] |
| Labels | Rise Above Records Metal Blade Records |
| Website | www.astratheband.com |
| Members | Conor Riley Stuart Sclater Richard Vaughan Brian Ellis Paul Marrone |
| Past members | Iain Sclater David Hurley |
History
Astra was formed in San Diego in 2001 by Conor Riley (vocals, guitars, keyboards), Richard Vaughan (vocals, guitars, keyboards), and brothers Iain (drums, percussion) and Stuart Sclater (bass guitar) under the name 'Silver Sunshine'. Following the departure of Iain Sclater and the subsequent recruitment of guitarist Brian Ellis and drummer David Hurley to the line-up, the band underwent its name change to Astra.[2][3] This line-up of the band went on to produce the band's first two albums, 2009's The Weirding and 2012's The Black Chord, both of which were released on Rise Above Records in the UK and on Metal Blade Records in the USA. A further line-up change occurred in 2013 with David Hurley departing to be replaced on drums by Radio Moscow drummer Paul Marrone.
Personnel
- Current members
- Conor Riley – vocals, guitars, keyboards (2001–present)
- Stuart Sclater – bass guitar (2001–present)
- Richard Vaughan – vocals, guitars, keyboards (2001–present)
- Brian Ellis – guitars, moog synthesizer (2006–present)
- Paul Marrone – drums, percussion (2013–present)
- Past members
- Iain Sclater - drums, percussion (2001–2006)
- David Hurley – drums, percussion, flute (2006–2013)
Discography
Albums
- The Weirding (2009)
- The Black Chord (2012)