ASTARI NITE - MEDICATIONS IN BLOOM (EP, RELEASED MAY 1ST, 2026, ALT ROCK, REVIEW)

 

Bog’s back again, this time with little sleep, but Bog forgot about this release, so I’ll share what I hear. As always, I try to avoid making comparisons to other artists, or whatever someone tells me, because I want it to be a pure experience for all concerned, so I can then relate back to you, and do the artist justice whether Bog likes the music or not.

1. Why Are You So Lame: There is quite a nice little drum beat at the start with a guitar riff thrown in, then the drums settle into a gradual rhythm as the track progresses. Slow consistent pace, similar in speed to Trip Hop and lo-fi beats, and the production is clean and sharp, and doesn’t overshadow the vocals. Not really Bog’s vibe so far, but I do appreciate how the track has been layered and arranged, so the lyrics can be heard with distinguishable instruments in the introduction, middle, and outro.

First impressions so far, 'balanced', and there is a subtle chime in the background, which adds an effect to complement the chorus. 

2. Dry Shampoo X: The Introduction could flow on a number of genres. Has a quiet sinister edge, then a dial tone effect, before cutting to a guitar intro reminiscent of the hallmarks of alternative rock leading us into the vocals. I feel Dry Shampoo X would be one of those tracks to open a set, or play mid set. I can hear a patience in the songs on Medications In Bloom with the singer obviously investing time in delivering the lyrics, and the team also transitioning in and out of songs cleanly, not suggesting fade outs, or dropping EQs, echo outs and such, but it doesn’t just cut off abruptly. It’s like a natural sign off at the end of the song.

The production is solid and doesn’t pull the sound down, but maintains the balance throughout the EP. For some genres, lo-fi sounds, low quality production can add to the rawness (Lo-Fi Black Metal, Oi Punk, HM2 Death Metal, Rawer Hip Hop), then with other music such as Medications In Bloom, it needs to be clean to do the release justice, which for ASTARI NITE it succeeds in doing so.

The tracks I liked were from 3-6, but I’ll try to tell you why, there are some nice effects, subtle, but they are present. For example, I Lack Nutrition has an acid bass line in the background, but it’s used interestingly. I’m racing ahead like I just walked out of a movie and spoiling it for everyone by rushing to say ok this and that, then this, that, and oh this too! Ok, Bog calmeth, the problematic issues with a visual imagination, and how it refuses to deactivate. Bog is seeing a movie play out inspired by the audio effects, whilst the logical part of my brain is struggling to articulate, so perfect moment to jump into 3. Lennon Yellow Tangerine.

I really liked the EP from this point forward due to various influences laced all over the tracks. If you really listen, they are there all over Medications In Bloom, especially in the latter sections, it’s not just Alternative Rock, Post Punk, New Wave, Goth, or a gentler Darkwave. It has a cinematic moody feel, yes, we could go with any late night setting with city steam and smoke. This is a track able to be dropped in stoner sets easily, has mood, tone, murky atmosphere, and feels like a crossover track between alternative rock, stoner rock, and with a little goth thrown in. When the main riff chimes in, Bog’s ears perked, I stopped in the swamp and said ‘nice’. I guess, you know how Gothic Doom Metal bands use the method of intersecting lighter passages with dark moody tones. Lennon Yellow Tangerine runs and vibes like those kinds of songs.

The intro begins with another slow, but clear drum build, a guitar riff, then it drops into the vocals with a good melody in the background adding to the cinematic feel I’ve mentioned. It transitions into a heavier riff, which wouldn’t be out of place on some metal genres, serving to build the emotion of the track, and support the vocalist. It does drop back to the beginning approach, then back to this method. Also think goth metal ish when this happens, not the more mainstream commercial side, but the unfiltered expression where the guitars echo the vocalist’s tone. What we hear is a band not afraid to step outside the box, nor fear showing their influences within the music, thus displaying the tastes they have, which is why Medications In Bloom will make ASATRI NITE accessible to a wider audience, and not just one scene.

Production is clear again, audio mastering is good, lead and bass don’t clumsily overlap, and the drums retain the supporting factor, a structured companion successfully formulated to complete the track.

4. Unisex Games (Revamped): It’s another good song with a classic Alternative Rock/Post Punk vibe. Persistent supporting drums are back with riffs that transition in and out to let the tone of the song's catchy chorus be heard.

5. Miss Rain On My Parade (Revamped): An aspect I would like to make clear are the drums. We often can observe a riff, vocals, or other effects, but the drums are strong on the track, which particularly shine, yet stay faithful to the approach with no drowning out of other instruments, or the vocalist. The guitar riff has a backing melody complementing the overall feel. Yes, the tracks from 3 onwards won me over with Medications In Bloom. A good track with a consistent tempo, mid paced for the album, and is a strong follow on from Unisex Games.

6 I Lack Nutrition: The closing track is more on the goth side with the acid bass line in the background I mentioned earlier. There are some parts where it’s softened when the main riff and melody take over, but it’s a powerful emotional song with good expressive musicianship and tone. Another crossover track able to flow in more than one community. I must admit, I was surprised to hear the acid techno bass line, but it works to add something, didn’t think I’d be saying that. Good strong goth feels with the melody.

So, what would Bog say in closing? I find ASTARI NITE interesting, musically alluring. I didn’t enjoy the first 2 tracks, but respect how they have been arranged and constructed, then track 3; Lennon Yellow Tangerine arrived, and Bog was side swiped. The remainder of the album was a good and fun listen. Favorite tracks are 3, 5, 6, and 4 in that order. I do appreciate ASTARI NITE incorporating other elements and influences, both with musicianship, audio effects, and the culmination to give the tracks something different. Not every track is the same, yes, the vocal tone is similar, but the guitar tones and subtle background effects add an individual flair, and differing personality for each song. Would I listen to them again? Yes, they stimulate the imagination, as I said, there is enough here for wider pallets. Some of the tracks could easily sit alongside Psychedelic Rock and Stoner Rock (the lighter sides), Goth Rock, and maybe a soft intersection in a Gothic Metal set.

Rating: Despite not feeling the EP's early tracks, I found the remainder to be a cinematic moody thrill ride. Really liked it and appreciate the work ASTARI NITE has taken not to be placed in a one genre lane, and they offer differing music and influences.

Take Goth Rock, Post Punk, Alt Rock, a small piece of Darkwave, and add a little Stoner Rock in the light sense, blend them together, and you have ASTARI NITE’s ‘Medications In Bloom.’

Recommend for those who can approach underground and alternative music with a wider mind, and for those already aware of ASTARI NITE, then Bog is sure you will enjoy Medications In Bloom. Forward thinking music not afraid to utilize diverse musical tastes to provide a comprehensive package for listeners. 

ASTARI NITE: are Mychael Ghost, Illia Tulloch, Howard Melnick and Danny Ae.

ALL MUSIC BY ASTARI NITE. All songs were "Mixed and Mastered by Hillary Johnson at Kale Shelter Studios."

Follow & Support ASTARI NITE

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Kct3q55cU3hJXomNTjMGo

https://www.instagram.com/astarinite43/

https://www.facebook.com/astarinitemusic

https://astarinitetv1993.bandcamp.com/

Editor’s note: Bog has read and is aware of the why behind the EP. This will be a rare time Bog drops the character a little, because as a creature with empathy, I sincerely wish warm vibes and better times ahead to ASTARI NITE. Best and regards, Bog (from the human side).