Ghost Tapes #10

Released in 2021, Ghost Tapes #10 marks the tenth studio album from the Irish post-rock veterans God Is an Astronaut. Recorded during a period of global upheaval, the album reflects a darker, more focused energy than its predecessor, Epitaph. Sonically, it is characterized by a significant increase in tempo and distortion, moving away from the space-rock drift of their mid-career work toward a sound that incorporates elements of math-rock and alternative metal. The production is notably crisp and punchy, emphasizing the interplay between Torsten Kinsella’s aggressive guitar work and Lloyd Hanney’s complex drumming. The track 'Luminous Waves' features Jo Quail on cello, providing a rare moment of acoustic vulnerability on an otherwise electric-heavy record. Critics noted the album's intensity, with many praising it as a return to form that successfully modernized the band's sound while maintaining their cinematic DNA.