Released on January 29, 2016, Astronautica's critically acclaimed album, *Gemini*, stands as a testament to Edrina Martinez's singular artistry within the vibrant landscape of Los Angeles' beat scene. As a cornerstone of Alpha Pup Records, Astronautica has consistently crafted a sound that transcends genre, and *Gemini* fully embodies her signature blend of dreamy electronic soundscapes, intricate hip-hop rhythms, and an undeniable indie sensibility....
Released on January 29, 2016, Astronautica's critically acclaimed album, *Gemini*, stands as a testament to Edrina Martinez's singular artistry within the vibrant landscape of Los Angeles' beat scene. As a cornerstone of Alpha Pup Records, Astronautica has consistently crafted a sound that transcends genre, and *Gemini* fully embodies her signature blend of dreamy electronic soundscapes, intricate hip-hop rhythms, and an undeniable indie sensibility.
On *Gemini*, Astronautica refines the distinctive elements that have earned her widespread praise. The album showcases her masterful fusion of digital production with organic instrumentation, most notably her own electric guitar work. This unique dynamism, which *The Wall Street Journal* observed as "spinning warm, swaying electronica" before adding "lush chords" live, is beautifully captured in the meticulously layered tracks of *Gemini*. Her compositions unfold with the “pensive, muffled rhythms that wend through gratifyingly complicated melodies,” as lauded by the *Los Angeles Times*, creating an immersive experience that feels both deeply introspective and expansively atmospheric.
The album title, *Gemini*, subtly hints at the duality inherent in Astronautica's creative process: the celestial and the grounded, the abstract and the intimately personal. Drawing inspiration from a diverse spectrum, from the raw energy of Nirvana to the pioneering electronic work of Flying Lotus, she filters these influences into what Vice describes as her "luminous, mellowed-out sound." *LA Weekly* aptly characterized her output as an "abstract painting come to life" and a "cosmic soup" of influences, a description that particularly resonates with the rich tapestry of *Gemini*.
More than just a collection of tracks, *Gemini* marked a significant evolution for Astronautica, solidifying her position as a vital voice in electronic music. It is an album that not only showcases her technical prowess and innovative production but also her profound ability to evoke emotion through sound. *Gemini* remains a compelling example of Astronautica's trailblazing spirit, an essential listen for anyone seeking forward-thinking electronic music imbued with soul and genuine artistic vision.
Alpha Pup