On Power Man and Astro Girl, Canadian singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Kristjan Eastman melds ethereal vocals and shimmering guitars in a delightful, engaging collection of hook-driven celestial psych-pop. From expansive, languid melodic explorations to sing-along sonic confections, the record is both deeply nuanced and catchy as all get out.
Hailing from the Interlake Region of Northern Manitoba, Eastman cut his rock and roll teeth in post punk / goth outfit Stories for Boys. Going on to release a number of records with different bands, he had yet to find the right outlet for his creative energies.
Eastman decided to simplify his approach and learned the art of the singer/songwriter and developing melody. He began creating lo-fi sound recordings on a 4-track tape recorder, playing all the instruments until he felt the songs mapped out, striving to catch the magic of a muse free from constraint.
Eastman’s first album Sigurlin was released in early 2020 to critical acclaim. To create his new album Power Man and Astro Girl, Eastman began by roughing out idea in Garage Band. “I'll record the initial idea on acoustic guitar, improvising vocals and lyrics, and then record maybe 3 or 4 or 5 more times with just acoustic guitar” he explains. “Then listen back and edit the improvised lyrics into something that makes sense. I don't normally have any preconceived lyrical ideas ahead of time - it's all spontaneous.”
The initial structure of the music complete, Eastman turns to his proper home studio for initial tracking. Working with a producer SJ Kardash (Softlungs, bassist for Reignwolf), the refine and polish the music. In addition to Eastman and Kardash (electric guitar, keyboard, and piano), the record features Barrett Ross (Foam Lake) on drums.
Thematically, the record grapples with the eternal struggle of relating to the chaotic world in which we all exist, searching for one’s authentic self while staying open to the world around you. How does one balance the need for shared humanity with the quest for individuality, and living a life beyond what might be considered normal. “Not really anything new,” remarks Eastman, “David Bowie wrote about the same things on songs like Life on Mars.”
A lush, compelling, and deeply honest record, Power Man and Astro Girl offers both emotional connection and inspiration. “There are so many of us having the same kinds of doubts, trying to connect, and fit in a world that seems to be going in every direction at once. If we keep going forward, our energies will inspire positive change in our shared reality.”