From the wide-open space known as Texas comes a burst of dazzling space rock by the name of Astroblast. But don't worry -- this isn't another round of washed out, grossly-effected guitar schlock like the stuff that was driven into the ground a few years back. As a matter of fact, this five-piece has craftily combined the subtle pop angst of Liz Phair with the classic cult sounds of My Bloody Valentine, producing a layered brand of charming music that studiously borrows from its sources, but swishes its influences together and spits out a hydrated amalgam of refreshingly original material.

At the helm of the Astroblast craft is vocalist Jenn Kellough. Doling out everything from quiet, ambient melodies to center-stage, anger-induced post-love trauma, Jenn is anything but predictable. Her frail and shrill voice blends innocence with something sensual, flawlessly commandeering each tune here with unique prowess. Accompanied by vibrato guitars and muffled keyboards, "You're So Gone" kindly helps you stick it to your ex-significant-other the way you wish you could have done it the first time around. "Poppy Seed" is almost the exact opposite, engineering a foundation of speedy pop undertones, immersing them in backmasked guitar effects and a wash of thick percussion that's exceptionally well played, but doesn't overshadow the other textured parts of the song. There are plenty of other interesting aspects of Astroblast besides Jenn; brother Kellough adds his own magic with plenty of intriguing guitar lines. The rhythm guitar and bass broadcast guilt-ridden lines back through the dense atmosphere, helping our Texas crew stay in flight for all eight tracks.

The Scientist was recorded at Sixteen Deluxe's "The Bubble", and there's even a guest appearance by 16D drummer Steven Hall for you trivia-mongers. It's kinda like taking twee and strapping it onto a rocket, then blasting it off into space. Can pop music orbit the Earth? Check out The Scientist and find out for yourself. Houston...er, Austin...we have liftoff.