Astari Nite – Resolution Of Happiness (Digital/CD Album – Negative Gain Productions)
A decade after their self-released debut album, Astari Nite returns with their sixth full-length release. The band’s influences have remained largely consistent over the years, staying true to their signature Post-Punk sound. This sound blends dark, melancholic guitar riffs and deep bass lines with icy electronic textures and synth leads, creating a compelling contrast. This time, however, the vocals stand out more prominently than ever before, evoking an intriguing blend of David Bowie and Peter Murphy. While not every track hits the same high, the album contains real gems, particularly in its first half. It’s worth noting that, especially in Europe, this band still doesn’t receive the recognition they deserve. (Rating:7½).
The album was preceded by the singles “Necessity Meal” and “Tongue Tied Galore”.
Listen to “Tongue Tied Galore”:
About Astari Nite
Astari Nite formed in Miami in 2013 around vocalist Mychael Ghost and drummer Illia Tulloch. The current line-up consists of Mychael Ghost on vocals, Illia Tulloch on drums and electronics, Howard Melnick on guitar, and Danny Ae on synthesizer and bass. Musically they offer a mix of alternative rock and darkwave.
The group debuted with “Stereo Waltz” in 2014, followed by “Anonymous” in 2015 and “Until the End of the Moon” in 2016. The latter was released by Danse Macabre Records and was produced and recorded by Howard Melnick, mixed by Melnick and Illia Tulloch, and mastered by Thomas Penton. That album was followed by “Midnight Conversations“, which included material produced and mixed by Tom Shear of Assemblage 23, alongside earlier “Dreams Of Majesty” EP tracks mixed by Rees Bridges.
In 2019 the band released “Dearly Beloved” and signed to Negative Gain Productions; the album “Here Lies” followed.
In 2024 Astari Nite returned with the singles “Necessity Meal” and “Tongue Tied Galore”, leading into the album “Resolution Of Happiness” on Negative Gain Productions. The band was also included in “Resurgence“, a 7CD post-punk box set, and later issued the “Medications In Bloom” EP in 2026.
“Resolution Of Happiness”, the sixth full-length reviewed here, arrived a decade after the band’s self-released debut.
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