Jumpship Astronaut

Oklahoma has never been the haven for electronic rock music that it is for country, folk and, as of late, psychedelic pop, but from the sound of Lights Burn Out, Oklahoma City upstart Jumpship Astronaut seems intent on changing that.
There’s not an acoustic strum, hoot or holler to be found in the EP’s five offerings; instead, you’ll find cavernous ’80s synth landscapes, glitzy guitar hooks and an obvious penchant for catchy melodies, covering the full axis of electro-bent pop artists in the process.
Standout track “Something to Outrun” does bear a striking resemblance to Chunk of Change-era Passion Pit, although Jumpship Astronaut fills the space that Michael Angelakos left empty with a U2-worthy chorus.
The song is bookended by opener “Romanticize” and “Kaleidoscopes,” the former recalling the more sprawling and jam-groove anchored sound of Pretty Lights or Ghostland Observatory, and the latter ratchets up the noise with Lights’ most guitar-driven moments.
Ballad “Return” builds like a B-side on the Drive soundtrack before giving way to a more conventional, but well-constructed verse-chorus signature. The airy, radio-friendly “Ghost” brings the album to an epic close.
Like a laser shooting up from the dirt, Jumpship Astronaut shows that it’s not impossible to make good electro-pop music in Oklahoma. With time, this five-piece will be able to develop a brand of it that is uniquely its own even beyond the state’s borders. - Oklahoma Gazette

“Why: A name that would be worth somewhere in the neighborhood of 40,000 points in a game of Scrabble, I like to think that this band was the inspiration for the movie “Gravity.” What It Makes You Think Of: Felix Baumgartner Fun Anagram: “Past Janitor Humps U”” - The Lost Ogle

“After doing some initial research – this is one “fun” band that’s surging right now and drawing followers and fans by the droves. Some artists have been around for a while, but nonetheless exist beneath our radar screens. Oklahoma’s own Jumpship Astronaut is no longer beneath the radar, having signed with Spectra Records. Their latest EP is entitled “Lights Burn Out.” So how would I describe this CD? It’s a supernova of passion and sound exploding into your soul, a game changer in a world that needs a new musical direction. Wow that felt good! “Lights Burn Out” has a special melodic element to it combining rocking fretwork, well placed harmonies, a guitar-driven English rock-influenced beat that evolves perfectly as the EP advances. I especially like the merge of classic keyboard accents, drums with an amazing 70’s feel. Enter in the impressive vocal work from Bryant meshed with the clever lyrics you have the perfect setting for a breathtaking EP.” - Indie Artists Alliance

“Opening up with dance-laden “Romanticize”, and then one of my favorite tracks “Something to Outrun”, this band just rocks the house. Next, “Kaleidoscopes” served up a more direct and a harder approach, with a style and grace as tantalizing as the bass and vocals. As the piece moves forward the guitar progression and rhythm section becomes louder, groovier. What I like about this EP, is that the first 3 tracks are very melodic and passive, whereas the rest of the CD shifts gears with a more straight forward alternative rock artisanship in my opinion. Influences include: M83, LCD Soundsystem, Passion Pit, Bruno Mars, and even The Police. I can hear Muse, MGMT, Two Door Cinema Club and perhaps Talking Heads. In close, “Lights Burn Out” by Jumpship Astronaut is a solid release that upholds the alt-rock standard set by the rock gods back in the late 90’s... even the 80’s (Depeche Mode).” - Music News Nashville

“The vocal range of Bryant, especially appealing to the higher registry, is artfully defined, while still layered quite nicely within the pocket. This high registry sound or sweet melody is essential in today's pop and almost all tracks on this 5 song EP have it. Bryant also has much to offer as far as vocal passion, emotion, grit and power without falling into the vocalist-with-supporting-arrangement trap we've all grown accustomed to. One will notice a tragic-sweetness to all the songs meshed with blooming hooks, all while maintaining an intimate "super-sonic" feel. "Lights Burn Out" is Alternative Rock based but its impressive how all these different musical genre's work well together. Also present are exotic beats, thick bass, good vocal feel, and honey coated synth flavoring.” - Music Emissions

“Opening up with dance-laden “Romanticize”, and then one of my favorite tracks “Something to Outrun”, this band just rocks the house. Next, “Kaleidoscopes” served up a more direct and a harder approach, with a style and grace as tantalizing as the bass and vocals. As the piece moves forward the guitar progression and rhythm section becomes louder, groovier. What I like about this EP, is that the first 3 tracks are very melodic and passive, whereas the rest of the CD shifts gears with a more straight forward alternative rock artisanship in my opinion. Influences include: M83, LCD Soundsystem, Passion Pit, Bruno Mars, and even The Police. I can hear Muse, MGMT, Two Door Cinema Club and perhaps Talking Heads. In close, “Lights Burn Out” by Jumpship Astronaut is a solid release that upholds the alt-rock standard set by the rock gods back in the late 90’s... even the 80’s (Depeche Mode).” - All Whats Rock

The first band was a local band called Jumpship Astronaut. They sound checked their own equipment and walked on stage looking like any other concertgoer, if not slightly more presentable. The band was comprised of a singer/guitarist, two synth players, and a drummer. The sound was very reminiscent of something that would be drifting around the airwaves in the 1980’s. The synths worked in perfect harmony together with the steadfast dance beats. The vocals made young girls and older women alike swoon. After their 30 minute set, they announced that they would be giving out free demos. Half of the crowd bolted for the merch table to grab these homemade demos until they were all gone.

- Jason Anderson, Radio UDT

“After doing some initial research – this is one “fun” band that’s surging right now and drawing followers and fans by the droves. Some artists have been around for a while, but nonetheless exist beneath our radar screens. Oklahoma’s own Jumpship Astronaut is no longer beneath the radar, having signed with Spectra Records. Their latest EP is entitled “Lights Burn Out.” So how would I describe this CD? It’s a supernova of passion and sound exploding into your soul, a game changer in a world that needs a new musical direction. Wow that felt good! “Lights Burn Out” has a special melodic element to it combining rocking fretwork, well placed harmonies, a guitar-driven English rock-influenced beat that evolves perfectly as the EP advances. I especially like the merge of classic keyboard accents, drums with an amazing 70’s feel. Enter in the impressive vocal work from Bryant meshed with the clever lyrics you have the perfect setting for a breathtaking EP.” - Indie Artists Alliance

OKC’s Jumpship Astronaut navigates a galaxy of guitars with the only weapon it has: electronic rock that’s out of this world.

Electronic bands face an uphill climb in the Sooner State, which boasts a proud musical heritage long defined by the obvious (country), the unassuming (folk rock) and, more recently, the brash (garage and punk).

Oklahomans like their guitars — for good reason — and the instrument’s reign atop the state is unlikely to be relinquished anytime soon.
But there’s been a recent influx of electronic sounds in the broader musical landscape, and with the rise of synthesizer-driven outfits like Colin Nance and Chrome Pony, the local scene is starting to follow suit.

Jumpship Astronaut — a five-man, Oklahoma City-based electronic collective — is yet another emerging force behind this tectonic shift, although its role remains somewhat ambiguous among concertgoers.

“Nobody knows what we do until they see us,” said Chris Bourland, the band’s primary synth player. “I think they expect us to be a jam band, but we’re not.”

Another impedance, often faced by Jumpship Astronaut, is the expectation of a pre-recorded show devoid of live instrumentation. It’s a stigma that plagues most within the genre, but drummer Austin Sims thinks his band is starting to shirk that stereotype.

“I hate saying we’re a rock band, because we’re not. We’re pretty far from that,” Sims said. “When people come out and see us, a lot are like, ‘Wow, you guys are actually playing everything!’ The fact that we’re playing everything live works to our advantage; it impresses people.”

Scott Dunn, bassist and synth assistant, sees an opportunity as well.

“There are tons of people that like a lot of the bands we’re influenced by,” Dunn said. “But I don’t know if they even know who to look for in the local scene. That’s been a major challenge.”

The act itself has its fair share of influences: from Passion Pit to Bonnie Raitt and everything in between. Singer Ryan Bryant has what he described as a “weird, encyclopedic knowledge of metal bands.”

Inevitably, their amalgam of tastes oozes into their music in the form of high-energy, celebratory tunes with a baroque sense of pop melody.

Jumpship Astronaut steadily has unearthed its voice in only one year of existence — a period in which most bands struggle to find theirs.

“Recently we were going back and listening to old demos,” Bryant said. “They’re completely different songs [now] — much more realized and so much better.”

As the group preps for next month’s release of its first EP — recorded in its own modest space and mixed at Norman’s Bell Labs studio — its ultimate goal of winning over fans and ascertaining a role in the city’s changing dynamics is seemingly within reach.

“We’re finally coming into our sound as a band — going from that vision that we had to realizing something a little different, but still ours,” said Bryant. “We’re finding our niche.”
- Zach Hale, Oklahoma Gazette

Oklahoma has never been the haven for electronic rock music that it is for country, folk and, as of late, psychedelic pop, but from the sound of Lights Burn Out, Oklahoma City upstart Jumpship Astronaut seems intent on changing that.

There’s not an acoustic strum, hoot or holler to be found in the EP’s five offerings; instead, you’ll find cavernous ’80s synth landscapes, glitzy guitar hooks and an obvious penchant for catchy melodies, covering the full axis of electro-bent pop artists in the process.

Standout track “Something to Outrun” does bear a striking resemblance to Chunk of Change-era Passion Pit, although Jumpship Astronaut fills the space that Michael Angelakos left empty with a U2-worthy chorus.

The song is bookended by opener “Romanticize” and “Kaleidoscopes,” the former recalling the more sprawling and jam-groove anchored sound of Pretty Lights or Ghostland Observatory, and the latter ratchets up the noise with Lights’ most guitar-driven moments.

Ballad “Return” builds like a B-side on the Drive soundtrack before giving way to a more conventional, but well-constructed verse-chorus signature. The airy, radio-friendly “Ghost” brings the album to an epic close.

Like a laser shooting up from the dirt, Jumpship Astronaut shows that it’s not impossible to make good electro-pop music in Oklahoma. With time, this five-piece will be able to develop a brand of it that is uniquely its own even beyond the state’s borders. - Joshua Boydston, Oklahoma Gazette

“Here’s an EP release I’ve been dying to get my hands on for a while. I was just unable to stumble across these guys until today. It’s very subliminal, and a grand concept that’s sure to get many peoples attention. From the production level, to the musicianship involved, “Lights Burn Out” by Jumpship Astronaut delivers in grand fashion. With the advent of this band to mainstream rock, with their superlative signature sound and trademark moniker, everything here works terrifically well. It will keep you in a state of positive wonderment from start to finish. Jumpship Astronaut have a really strong tonal foundation coupled with heavy rhythms, hypnotic keyboards and synthesizers with spaced out goodness vocally. The vocals from Bryant are well executed and the lyrics are to say the least interesting.” - Music News Nashville

““Lights Burn Out” by Jumpship Astronaut is an amazing ride through the brilliant mindset and musical psyche of Bryant and company. At the end of the day they deserve a lot of credit for being true to themselves. This CD is a bit risky but at the same it’s celebratory, glory full return of feel good Alternative Rock at its best with a slight 80’s flair. Its strong suit is the amazing arsenal of songs and melodies these performers brings to the table via intellectually stimulating vision and songwriting craft. Jumpship Astronaut is a gift to the modern music world.” - Vents Magazine

"Jumpship Astronaut are one Oklahoma based band who are paying their dues, beating the pavement and have played numerous shows around that region thus far. Did I mention they are now signed to Spectra Records? Why do I get the impression we’ll be hearing more from these guys real soon. This EP “Lights Burn Out” will be a great pickup for cult followers, or if you’re in a tripped out mood or looking to instill a more 80’s electro grooved one. While this is music you could work or play to, it’s most suited to a more mind melding contemplation – just sit back and let it happen. Don’t tyro to define it – just become one with it. If you do this your senses will feel like they are drunk on life. Now isn’t that something we could all use a little more of in our lives right no? Jumpship Astronaut sets it all to well." - Gashouse Radio

“Opening track 'Romanticize' belts into the sound with some hard-hitting synth and instrumentals. The vocals are smooth and contemporary. A real authentic vibe is heard through these guys' sound. Follow up tune is 'Something To Outrun', another upbeat, party-suited track. It actually embarks on a more Rock journey, leaving their electronic sound to slack a little. The mix of sounds throughout this EP blend into a sort of Pop-Rock muse. 'Return' captivates a free-flowing, groovy melody in tune with crisp vocals rolling out well written lyrics. To be honest, I really enjoyed this new tint in Jumpship Astronaut. Final track, 'Ghost' came impressively close to 'Something To Outrun' for the spot as track of the EP. Eerie backing vocal responses shine through and the entire track insists on a greater depth than previous ones. Top notch mix from this clearly versatile group.” - Wynona Grant, U&I Music Magazine

“Jumpship Astronaut is four energetic young guys that, from what I can tell, really like to party, dance, and have a good time: they also happen to be decent at playing instruments. Sure, this album may not hold any revelations or musical genius, but its fun. And whats wrong with fun? It was like any second I was expecting the lights to dim in my room and a giant disco ball to slowly descend out of my ceiling and start spinning. House beats, buzzy synths with very major-driven melodies, and simple but catchy vocals: the formula for great Jumpship Astronaut music.” - Cyrus Rhodes, The Muse's Muse (Jan 13, 2014)