Today was a particularly rainy New England day, and I listened to “Raging Skies” by Astrachan while sipping a cup of coffee. Fresh off their newest album Signs, which releases October 31st, Ben Astrachan’s solo project does not disappoint. Self-described as ‘starry-eyed lofi folk rock’, there is an earnest warmth to his music that fills me with hope, as lyrics hint at the complexities of navigating change amidst the forces of nature and the passing of time.
With sunny guitar chords and a steady, gentle drum beat, this song immediately envelops the listener with rich aural hues. Bluesy guitar licks and bass act as a backdrop for bright vocal harmonies. Layered within the cosy folk aesthetic is an evocative wisdom that I found quite soothing. As rain falls outside my apartment, the stormy themes of the song make me think of how our spirits emerge from change, “chipped and cracked,” and also how “tides will rise” when we accept the ups and downs of our own spiritual journeys.
Ben writes that “each song takes on the story of a moment that latched onto [his] heart with the tenderest of holds”. In this track, he has imbued that fondness into a rousing and insightful piece full of gentle psychedelic vibes and heady, reflective lyricism. I would highly recommend this wistful foray into folk rock, and would keep an eye out for the full album Signs as it drops later this October.
Written by Cassie Toby
