Review: Thomas Dolby's Astronauts & Heretics stands as a fascinating blend of his signature technological wizardry and personal reflection, making it one of the hidden gems in his discography. His fourth studio album, this 90s release shows Dolby's melodic instincts in full force, with standout moments like 'Cruel' (feat Eddi Reader), where tender vocals weave seamlessly into rich electronic textures. The track 'Eastern Bloc (the sequel)' cleverly reworks Johnny Otis' 'Willie and the Hand Jive,' before developing its own groove, blending past and future in a way only Dolby can. Guitar legend Eddie Van Halen's presence on two tracks, 'Eastern Bloc' and 'Close But No Cigar,' injects a gritty, rock edge into Dolby's electronic landscapes, offering a sharp contrast that elevates both the tracks and the album as a whole. The mix of smooth rhythms, complex layering, and personal storytelling reflects a time when Dolby was pushing boundaries not only in sound but in the way he integrated technology with emotion. Now available as a limited edition gold vinyl pressing, Astronauts & Heretics is a testament to Dolby's forward-thinking creativity, an album where time has had to catch up with its futuristic vision. In many ways, it remains a benchmark for how technology can enhance, rather than overshadow, an artist's more intimate moments.
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