San Francisco-based psychedelic rock veterans, The Asteroid No.4, are gearing up to release their twelfth studio album, Several Shapes of Solar Flares, on September 27th via Club AC30/Little Cloud.
Originally formed in Philadelphia in the late 1990s, The Asteroid No.4 has been a pillar of the modern psych-rock scene, consistently delivering atmospheric soundscapes, evocative lyrics, and reverb-drenched recordings. Their guitar-driven, liquid-projected live performances have made them a staple in the genre, often labeled as “neo-psychedelic” or “shoegaze.”
Several Shapes of Solar Flares represent a new chapter in the band’s evolution while staying true to their signature sound. The album features guest vocals from Galine Tumasyan (Seablite) and Zoe Mahaney, adding fresh layers to the band’s rich sonic palette. While happily embracing comparisons to legendary acts like Ride, Slowdive, Spacemen 3, and The Rain Parade, The Asteroid No.4 continues to carve out its distinct sound, crafting a sonic journey that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
The band self-produced, recorded, and mixed the album in their San Rafael, CA, studio. Simon Scott of Slowdive mastered it, ensuring a polished and immersive listening experience. The creation of Several Shapes of Solar Flares was interwoven with the band’s extensive touring schedule, which included sharing the stage with psych veterans The Brian Jonestown Massacre in 2023 and The Black Crowes in 2024, as well as a memorable performance with The Ocean Blue in San Francisco.
I hadn’t listened to The Asteroid No. 4 before, so it shows how much I know, right? I was pleasantly surprised by the new record, though, with a classic psychedelic-rock-meets-shoegaze vibe. “Under Lock and Key” features layers of distortion, reverb, and melodies that collide mesmerizingly.
“Rescue” envelops the listener in the band’s signature hazy atmosphere, with the soft and distant vocals floating above the mix like from another dimension. “No Heaven” features another dreamlike soundscape. The influence of shoegaze pioneers like My Bloody Valentine is evident, but The Asteroid No. 4 brings their unique touch, with moments of surprising clarity cutting through the haze.
“Caroline’s Gone” showcases the band’s ability to merge dream pop’s bliss with psychedelic rock’s intensity. The track glides along gently but is also played with a gradually building vigor that creates a sense of sonic euphoria.
“Silouhette” ends the record on an epic note in a seven-plus minute song that provides perhaps the most dreamlike moments. The breathy vocals float weightlessly over the throbbing bass, offering a moment of introspection amidst the swirling chaos. The song threatens to explode at any moment, providing a tension that holds steady throughout.
The Asteroid No. 4 is a psychedelic band that’s been in the game for a long time, and they surely don’t need this review to prove their significance in the psych underground. I’m glad the band reached out to me and let me know about their upcoming LP, as this group demands further investigation for me. Several Shapes of Solar Flares combine psychedelia, shoegaze, and dream-pop beautifully in a way these scene veterans do best, and it’s great to see them still releasing new music into the world.
Check out Several Shapes of Solar Flares by The Asteroid No. 4 on Bandcamp here.
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