Posted: Sunday 24th August 2008

Reviewed by Andrew Jones

A classic slice of Motown inspired summertime pop music, ironically enough titled The Sun Ain't Shining No More, this first single from the Asteroids Galaxy Tour arrives at the tail-end of a another UK summer that never was. Hopes of a late blast of heat in September will no doubt be strengthened by this blissful debut from The Asteroids, who have harnessed the best things about 60s and 70s soul music and added a suave pop twist all of their own.

A band that are certainly not lacking character and individual flair, singer Mette Lindberg's distinctive and powerful voice is full of endearing idiosyncrasies that are all her own . Rather than attempting to copy the Aretha Franklin's, Martha Reeves' or Diana Ross' of this world, (which is obviously easier said than done anyway …) Mette has a sound that is every bit the quirky Danish girl she is in person and also adds an element of retro pop and 60s psychedelia to the proceedings which will appeal to a wide cross-section of music fans.

Plaudits too for the scratchy sound of the guitars and organ, which gives the record a rawness that is a breath of fresh air in an age of bland, over-produced R&B music and provides a counterpoint to the pure-pop thrills on offer. With so many reference points to the great music of yesteryear the Asteroids Galaxy Tour are clearly a very savvy bunch, doubtless with a very cool record collection to draw inspiration from. What makes it all work however is the unpretentious, all-inclusive warmth of the music on offer, meaning that The Sun Ain't Shining No More may in fact be the perfect antidote to our slightly grey summer.