The video for Astral Bakers’ new single is shot from the inside of a vehicle, on an endlessly panning camera, as the four-piece play the gentle wave that is Beautiful Everything. As they travel through a seemingly unending landscape of fields, hedgerows, and overcast skies, the wistful, melodic thrum of the song feels like the perfect soundtrack to a long journey.
The dream-like feel of Beautiful Everything is purposeful, the band channeling the more upbeat, accessible side of Sonic Youth. Recorded live in the studio, the song also provides a tangible, grounded sense of feeling alive. Alongside Sonic Youth, the dusty and windswept sound of Beautiful Everything reminds me of the gentle sway of Kurt Vile, and the slow motion emotional breakdowns of Sun Kil Moon. The building wall of guitars and percussion gives the song a beautiful feeling I can’t help but get lost in.
Having previously found acclaim with French trio Revolver, Astral Bakers is the new outfit featuring Sage, aka Ambroise Willaume. Together with Theodora, Nico Lockhart, and Zoé Hochberg, the group have each collected over 10-years’ of professional music making experience. Having all collaborated previously, the four are now working together as Astral Bakers, taking inspiration from a pursuit of ‘epiphanies and presence, friendship and purity’. Beautiful Everything is taken from the group’s forthcoming album, The Whole Story, set to be released on 9 February 2024.