The Stargazer’s Assistant were last heard in 2024 when they regaled us with the joys of being a Fire Worshipper on record of same name which also depicted an astral being or elemental creature on the front cover. Today on Modular Fields (ZOHARUM ZOHAR 366-2) this all-British trio are settling into a much more discursive mode with four lengthy instrumental performances, which at first gazoon I might apprehend as a 21st-century update on the more experimental “space rock” bands such as Magnog, the fondly-remembered band who only made one record for Kranky before disbanding. However, Stargazer’s are also protective of their “slightly esoteric undertone”, which emerges in the form of mesmeric hints and darkened corners. The core members Smith, Knight and York are joined by the Finnish engineer and synth player Antti J. Uusimaki from Uzu Noir, who played on the last set too. These long-form explorations, filled with warm bubbling pulsations and offbeat colours, have a certain charm, even if a bit lacking in structure. Nobody in the team seems quite sure about the direction of travel, with the possible exception of David J. Smith, the main man, who is credited with “arrangement & concept”. Also available as two separate LPs, or all four tracks on one CD. From 06/01/2026.
