We Were Astronauts

We have the exclusive premiere of the anticipated EP Artificial Light by We Were Astronauts a day early (it's set for release on September 23). The smooth riffs and catchy hooks of this Boston-based indie rock band will have you on your feet in some moments, while evoking strong emotions in others. It's not surprising to learn that We Were Astronauts draws heavy influence from legendary Southern-style stadium rockers, Kings of Leon. Their sound is big, bold, and rich, just like that of their rock star icons.

This moment has been a long time coming for the quartet who, since forming in 2011, have been working to develop a distinct sound of their own. Before Antonio Casasanta (lead vocals, guitar), Tim Corrigan (guitar, vocals), Chris Rando (bass, vocals), and Steve Paddock (drums) got together over three years ago, they were accumulating individual experience within other bands. The skillful product Artificial Light explores many sectors of the rock genre, often crossing into pop. The albums is fun, heartfelt, and will appeal to just about any listener. It's got the touch of seasoned hands like production legend Warren Huart (known for producing albums for Aerosmith, The Fray, and Augustana), and recording engineer veteran Phil Allen (Grammy winning engineer of Adele’s 21), this album holds heavy promise. - Eleanor Steier Culture Collide

This EP had me going straight to the like button on fb. These Boston pop/rockers have crafted a rousing collection of toe-tappers that has me looking forward to hearing more. - Local Music Nation

Boston's own We Were Astronauts have launched their brand new EP titled "Artifical Light" The 5 song collection is a terrific collection of tunes pieced together harmoniously to create a visual and aurally pleasing effort that shows the band's full musical dynamic in action and the full force of all parties involved in the making of this effort.

We start things out with "Golden", a melodically charged effort that shows off the band's keen musicianship featuring densely layered and compacted melodies built upon sharply focused vocals that hit at you almost immediately and give you a sense of what's to come from the rest of the album to follow. "I Wanna Know" is my favorite track off the album that speaks to mind about the volume of creativity emanating directly from the group's center with top notch guitar riffs, deep and punctuating vocals, and extremely well written lyrics that bring everything full circle and gives off a strong musical dexterity that can't possibly be matched by anyone else. "Music City" takes things down a few notches with a more downtempo affair that shows off the band's diversity with passionate vocals melding in together beautifully with the mellow nature of the song that show that the band is a jack of all trades, who aren't afraid to tackle anything in their midst. "Hollywood" gets us ready for the conclusion of the album with a more pop ready number that gives each band member a chance to prove their mettle and stand out immensely from the pack and bring the whole content of the album full circle as well. "Keep It Together" winds down our stay with a electrically charged effort that permeates all the way throughout with lively guitars complementing the rich vocals at bay here and manages to connect the dots from the previous songs quite nicely and wrap everything up on point.

In summary, a well executed and constructed effort from We Were Astronauts, a local Boston area band that is starting to gain some traction in the local circles, and are a group who do a great job of keeping everything simple and in perspective for us to marvel over. - Music Box Pete

"’Doreé” is a catchy love song that sounds like a Young the Giant track polished with a pop radio sheen, complete with sharp guitar riffs and harmonized vocals. " - Jake Reed The Deli

“In a musical era that hails experimental sounds and the avant-garde pop-star, revisiting rock 'n’ roll roots can be a breath of fresh air. Combining modern pop sensibilities with the more rugged aspects of rock, We Were Astronauts aims to occupy that role” - Milford Daily News

"We Were Astronauts are the real deal- a great bunch of guys who write great songs, play the hell out of them and are dedicated to being a killer band. I was thoroughly impressed with each and every one of these guys." - Chris Mara of Studio Welcome to 1979 out of Nashville, TN

"We Were Astronauts took the musicians’ route in making “Outside Boston,” a collection of 10 songs with plenty of varied textures. Rooted in alt-pop and indie rock, “Outside Boston” boasts the airy meanderings of “Skin,” the rumble of “The Circus Within” and “Rubber Tramp” and anthemic sweep of the title track and “Soapbox Shimmy.” - Scott McLennan: The Wachusett Entertainment Blog, Boston Glob