Astronauts & Heretics

AMG Review of Astronauts & Heretics

James Chrispell
All Music Guide

A greatly matured Thomas Dolby highlights his melodic tendencies on Astronauts & Heretics. Containing more personal moments enhanced by his love for technology, such tracks as "Cruel," which features a stunning Eddi Reader, and "Eastern Bloc (the sequel)" help listeners connect with bits of the past forwarded into the future. "Eastern Bloc (the sequel)" even takes its rhythmic sense from the old Johnny Otis tune, "Willie and the Hand Jive," before it comes into its own. "Silk Pajamas" has a unique pastiche of sound to it and also a very memorable tune to go along. While nothing here appeared to catch fire with the public at the time, Astronauts & Heretics is still a fine testament to Dolby's continuing maturity. Time sometimes must catch up to foresighted performers. Astronauts & Heretics is just such a case.