Steve Hensby Band - Astronomers Aren't Morning People

​Steve Hensby Band

Astronomers Aren't Morning People
self-released; 2024

​4.1 out of 5 - TOP ALBUM

By Matt Jensen

If you’ve been keeping up with this site, Steve Hensby Band should already be on your radar. With a string of top album honors, the band has become a consistent standout, and they’ve done it again with Astronomers Aren’t Morning People, a record that showcases their genre-blending abilities but perhaps to a lesser extent this time around.

The album opens with "Stop The World," an immediate whirlwind of intricate, lightning-fast guitar picking. The vocals, wrapped in warm reverb, draw you in before horns sweep through like a gust of fresh air. The track morphs from a hard rock groove into an intimate, Bowie-esque interlude before snapping back into its rock-heavy pulse—it's unpredictable, but the band executes it with such ease, making each transition feel seamless.

“All Wrapped Up In A Dream” leans into lush orchestration, with strings that instantly evoke Sgt. Pepper-era Beatles. The arrangement is lush and atmospheric. “Hitch-Hike To Mars” takes a different turn, blending deep organ tones with '70s funk and disco influences. The horns are sharp, the percussion tight—it’s a vibrant, rhythmic song that keeps you hooked.

The funk ramps up on “Starstruck DJ,” a track so irresistibly catchy it’s hard to sit still. The smooth guitar licks and tight band chemistry turn this James Brown-inspired number into a dance floor essential. “Turn Up Your Halo” stays in the same lane, bolstered by soaring female vocals that add a soulful depth to the groove.

“Kiss of Death” shifts gears entirely, pulling you into a haunting southern gothic atmosphere, reminiscent of True Detective’s first season soundtrack. Meanwhile, “I Wish I Was A Hat Man” is pure fun, opening with a James Bond-esque melody that stands out as a highlight in an album packed with them.

On “Jupiter,” the band leans into a cinematic, lounge-ready vibe, keeping the '70s aesthetic alive. It’s the kind of track you could easily imagine in a Tarantino film, with its cool, laid-back groove. “Neptune (I'm Your Baby)” channels Blondie with its infectious energy and glossy sheen.

The album closes on a more tender note with “I Hear Mercury Is Nice This Time Of Year,” a ballad that nods to Elton John. It’s a fitting end to a record that feels like a kaleidoscope of influences, yet always distinctly their own.
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While the references to past greats are clear, Steve Hensby Band carves out their own lane, creating something wholly original through their genre-blurring experiments. Astronomers Aren’t Morning People is highly recommended.

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