Stereo Six: God Is An Astronaut’s Torsten Kinsella on His Favourite Records

Even over two decades into their exceptional career, God Is An Astronaut finds new ways to reinvent themselves. The band returns yet again with their brand new record, Embers. Set for release on September 6th via Napalm Records, this is the post-rockers eleventh proper studio album. This is arguably the band’s most extensive and elaborate album to date when it comes to songwriting and production. One of the great things about God Is An Astronaut records is that they can be explored and interpreted in various ways. They leave it up to the listener to experience the music in the individual’s way. If you need an example, Embers’ first single, “Falling Leaves,” is a reflection on the brevity of our existence from beginning to end.

Embers is a record with a lot of depth and some guests. There are various musical voyages through different subgenres like psych rock and krautrock. There are also some guest contributors like Dara O’Brien, Jo Quail, and Sean Coleman. Each brings their unique musical expertise and enriches the sonic space of the album. In addition to God Is An Astronaut’s well-defined power, you’ll hear a diverse array of instruments such as sitar, cello, zither, shamanic drums, chimes, and tanpura. Even after all these years and albums, the band remains committed to originality and uniqueness.

We are pleased to have singer, guitarist, and keyboardist Torsten Kinsella join us for a Stereo Six. He offers up six of his all-time favourite records that heavily influenced the development of their sound.

1. Whipping Boy – Heartworm (1995, Columbia Records)

“Released in 1995, Heartworm by Whipping Boy remains an unheralded masterpiece. This album combines raw emotion with a refined blend of sound and melody, creating an intense listening experience that resonates deeply. Its emotive quality has been a continuous source of inspiration, influencing our music with its heartfelt and authentic expression.

“The track ‘Twinkle’ stands out with its powerful lyrics and hauntingly beautiful composition, encapsulating the essence of what makes Heartworm so special. The band’s ability to balance vulnerability with musicality has helped shape our approach to songwriting.”

2. My Bloody Valentine – Loveless (1991, Creation Records)

“Loveless is an iconic record known for its revolutionary approach to guitar tones. Kevin Shields’ pioneering use of unique tremolo bends with fuzz pedals has significantly influenced guitar music. Fender released a pedal based on the classic Fender Bender fuzz but with Kevin Shields’ modifications. I used that pedal throughout the album, shaping the sound of our new record.

“This album’s ability to be loud and intense without venturing into hard rock or metal is what we were leaning towards on this record. The psychedelic noise attack and the rich, fuzzy textures of Loveless have inspired us to create a sonic environment that is both immersive and evocative, using distortion and reverb to craft our unique soundscape.”

Artwork for the albums God Is An Astronaut list in this Stereo Six

3. The Cure – Disintegration (1989, Fiction)

“Disintegration is a landmark album that elevated the band’s signature sound to new heights. Its dark, haunting melodies have been a constant source of inspiration, particularly the track ‘Prayers for Rain.’ It stands out with its evocative atmosphere and lyrical depth. The album’s ability to blend melancholy with beauty has influenced our approach to creating emotionally resonant music.

“The Cure’s meticulous attention to sonic detail and their ability to convey their own profound emotions through their music has guided us in our own artistic journey, helping us to create songs that resonate on a deeper level.”

4. Massive Attack – Mezzanine (1998, Virgin Records/Circa)

“Mezzanine is a dark, brooding masterpiece that has left an indelible mark on our music. The album’s intricate songwriting and atmospheric production have made it a timeless classic. Our debut album, The End of the Beginning, was heavily influenced by the trip-hop genre, with Massive Attack’s pioneering work serving as a blueprint.

“Revisiting this style during the 20th-anniversary live rendition of our debut album, re-titled The Beginning of the End, was a nostalgic and enlightening experience. The track ‘Oscillation’ from our new album draws directly from the trip-hop elements of Mezzanine, blending those influences with our evolved sound.”

God Is An Astronaut ‘Embers’ album artwork

5. Soundgarden – Badmotorfinger (1991, A&M Records)

“Badmotorfinger introduced a heavier, more psychedelic take on the grunge movement, reminiscent of a modernized Black Sabbath. The riffs on this album, with their dark and swirling intensity, have had a subtle yet significant influence on our music. Tracks like ‘Rusty Cage’ and ‘Searching With My Good Eye Closed’ exemplify the band’s ability to blend heavy guitar work with a psychedelic edge, a quality we sought to incorporate into our own sound. It helped influence some of our riff-driven parts. We aimed to channel the same kind of raw power and atmospheric depth that Soundgarden so masterfully achieved.”

6. Schtum – Grow (1995, Sony Records)

“Schtum, a lesser-known band from Derry, left a lasting impression on us with their live performances, which were brimming with power and intensity. ‘Corrupt Cop’ and ‘Digging Holes’ were among my favourites, which sadly never made it onto their debut album.

“The album Grow does feature the track ‘Run,’ exemplifying their signature syncopated guitar lines and compelling grooves. Although the album sadly failed to capture the energy, raw urban rock sound, and vocal delivery compared to their live shows, the rhythmic complexity and dynamic phrasing of their music have been a continuous influence on our sound. We strive to incorporate similar syncopated elements into our compositions from time to time, aiming to recreate the captivating energy that Schtum delivered so effortlessly.”