Rock/Review Calling All Astronauts - Noise Against Tyranny

Calling All Astronauts is a London-based electropunk band formed in 2011, known for their politically charged music that blends genres like punk rock, alternative rock, industrial rock, gothic rock, drum and bass, and synthpop. The current lineup includes David Bury and Paul McCrudden. They’ve built a reputation in the alternative underground for provocative lyrics addressing issues like racism, homophobia, xenophobia, and political corruption, often with a left-leaning perspective.

“Noise Against Tyranny,” Calling All Astronauts' fourth studio album, is a hard-hitting, genre-defying statement that combines Gothic flare, Industrial Metal, Post-Punk, and Electro into one unreserved sonic attack. The duo is back with a burning purpose. After four years of work, the London-based team of multi-instrumentalist Paul McCrudden and singer/programmer David B has produced an album that is as urgent and timely as ever.

“Noise Against Tyranny” is a logical follow-up to 2020's politically charged “#Resist,” continuing the duo's tradition of protest music for the digital era. Wrapped in pulsating beats, smoldering guitar lines, and eerie synth atmospheres, the album features ten intricately layered tracks that openly address nationalism, fascism, inequality, and societal apathy.

The duo's ability to blend lyrical profundity with electronic aggressiveness is demonstrated by tracks like "Will Somebody Help Me" and "Time To Party," which explode with tension and rage, while others, like "War On Truth," take a more introspective, dystopian approach. The lyrical weight of the text is excellently matched by David B's vocals, which alternate between a caustic delivery and emotional heaviness.

The unique quality of “Noise Against Tyranny” is its inability to be categorized. It's defiant, danceable, punk, and industrial all at once. Calling All Astronauts keeps using their music to challenge and awaken in addition to providing entertainment. “Noise Against Tyranny” not only exacerbates the turmoil in a society where noise is everywhere, but also turns it into a weapon.

“Noise Against Tyranny” is an audacious, essential release from one of the most politically influential underground artists in the United Kingdom.