Take A Hike

Astronautica, the acclaimed producer and multi-instrumentalist Edrina Martinez, cemented her status as a cornerstone of Los Angeles’ vibrant beat scene long before the release of her highly anticipated album, *Take A Hike*, on January 22, 2021. This latest offering from the Alpha Pup Records stalwart is a profound testament to her evolving artistry, refining the signature sound that has garnered widespread critical acclaim....

Astronautica, the acclaimed producer and multi-instrumentalist Edrina Martinez, cemented her status as a cornerstone of Los Angeles’ vibrant beat scene long before the release of her highly anticipated album, *Take A Hike*, on January 22, 2021. This latest offering from the Alpha Pup Records stalwart is a profound testament to her evolving artistry, refining the signature sound that has garnered widespread critical acclaim. *Take A Hike* immerses listeners in Astronautica’s unique blend of dreamy electronic soundscapes, intricate hip-hop rhythms, and a distinct indie sensibility. Known for her meticulous production and the organic integration of live instrumentation, particularly her guitar work, Martinez crafts a sonic world that is both celestial and deeply grounded. Here, her "warm, swaying electronica" is interwoven with "lush chords," creating the "pensive, muffled rhythms that wend through gratifyingly complicated melodies" praised by the *Los Angeles Times*. It’s a nuanced approach that eschews digital sterility for rich, textured warmth, presenting what *LA Weekly* aptly described as an "abstract painting come to life." Drawing from a diverse palette of influences—from the raw energy of Nirvana to the pioneering electronic work of Flying Lotus—Astronautica filters these elements into her own inimitable style. *Take A Hike* exemplifies what *Vice* describes as her "luminous, mellowed-out sound," presenting an experience that is at once introspective and expansive. This album builds upon the foundation of her celebrated LPs *Gemini* and *Death Valley*, showcasing an artist at the peak of her craft, consistently pushing boundaries within the electronic landscape. As *SPIN* noted, Astronautica is a key figure in "soul music’s in-progress electronic evolution." *Take A Hike* further solidifies this reputation, offering a sophisticated tapestry of sound that resonates with both intellectual depth and emotional clarity. It’s an invitation to explore the intricate, beautiful world meticulously crafted by one of independent music’s most vital and influential voices, proving once again why Astronautica remains a powerful force shaping the future of electronic music.