Herman Astro

It's often said that everyone loves a good underdog story. Alabama Shakes appear to be living out one of them. Thanks to a heavy dose of word of mouth, the band have been on a fast rise, even though they haven't even released an album yet (their debut comes out April 10). That sudden attention made their intended lower-level Pabst Theater show into a sold-out, full-theater concert, a feat not many new bands can claim. Some might think Alabama Shakes are a flash in the pan, but sometimes talent wins out over experience.

Although all fairly young, the four members of Alabama Shakes can play a tune with an emotional stamina that rivals many veterans. With roots in Athens, Alabama—they grew up around the rich music of Muscle Shoals—their take on soul 'n' rock and roll takes cues from past traditions but feels so genuine that it never feels like a retread. With Hammond organ flourishes mingling with bass, guitar and an always soulful drum beat, Alabama Shakes stormed into each song of their almost hour-long set, quickly winning over the crowd.

At the forefront of this barrage of conviction is lead singer Brittany Howard. With a soulfully sweeping voice that can turn into an emotional howl in a heartbeat, Howard's honest, unfiltered lyrics left the audience hanging on every word. When she sings "Hold On," her emotional gestures and words leave little doubt that she means it. Sometimes as the songs progressed the emotion boiled over in her voice as they hit commanding finishes. "Boys and Girls," the title track from the band's upcoming album, shares a common theme with the rest of the group's songs, a restless desire to stay true to relationships and love regardless of what others think or circumstances. In "You Ain't Alone" Howard beautifully and reassuringly sung "I'm your ticket home." The band encored with rollicking rendition of "Heavy Chevy," a B-side from the album.

Milwaukee's Herman Astro, who opened the show, have enjoyed their own surge of popularity in the last few months. Performing in front of their biggest crowd so far, the band took full advantage with a lively and energetic set full of mouthwatering grooves that drew from soul, blues, Latin and rock sounds. Hopefully neither band will forget the honest, underdog approach that got them here.
- Shepherd Express (Milwaukee)

Herman Astro is a young, new Milwaukee band, but very talented and very well managed (which is saying a lot for an unsigned band these days).
In December of 2009, Herman Astro recorded their first, self-titled, EP in Milwaukee, WI. The strong reception of their single,”Sambawete” (named “Catchiest Song of the Year” by 88.9 Radio Milwaukee), and the buzz surrounding their live performances, allowed the band to play at venues, such as Turner Hall Ballroom, High Noon Saloon and Summerfest in support of national acts, such as Fitz and The Tantrums, Kings Go Forth, Orgone, The Constellations and Milwaukee legend, Paul Cebar.
Chico is the forthcoming album from Herman Astro, set for release in December of 2011. Tracked live, in a log-room, Chico captures the deep dynamics that have quickly become emblematic of Herman Astro’s sound and takes the listener through the development of Herman Astro’s sound in their sophomore year.
- Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (E-Zine)

Herman Astro is a young, new Milwaukee band, but very talented and very well managed (which is saying a lot for an unsigned band these days).
In December of 2009, Herman Astro recorded their first, self-titled, EP in Milwaukee, WI. The strong reception of their single,”Sambawete” (named “Catchiest Song of the Year” by 88.9 Radio Milwaukee), and the buzz surrounding their live performances, allowed the band to play at venues, such as Turner Hall Ballroom, High Noon Saloon and Summerfest in support of national acts, such as Fitz and The Tantrums, Kings Go Forth, Orgone, The Constellations and Milwaukee legend, Paul Cebar.
Chico is the forthcoming album from Herman Astro, set for release in December of 2011. Tracked live, in a log-room, Chico captures the deep dynamics that have quickly become emblematic of Herman Astro’s sound and takes the listener through the development of Herman Astro’s sound in their sophomore year.
- Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (E-Zine)

This free download has soul! And it's homegrown, courtesy of a Milwaukee band known as Herman Astro. Herman Astro’s bluesy, rock sound is powered by lead singer Zachary Pluer’s hearty, soulful voice, accompanied by Cody Calderon (drums), Eric LeMieux (guitar), and Adam Dosemagen (bass). They recently performed at the Pabst Theater for a soul'd out show with Alabama Shakes (see what we did there?).

Their upbeat songs deliver the kind of funky good time that makes you wanna dance. And the slower jams? When the tempo wanes, the soul grows. So go ahead, embrace Wisconsin music, and give these fine fellas a listen. You can download their song “Tell Me” for free below. It’s the first single from their debut album Chico, which was just released in December. You can scoop that up right here.

If you like to get down to soulful fresh sounds, you best grab a $10 bill and make your way to The Frequency this Tuesday night. Herman Astro will be opening for Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds. Show starts at 8!
- 105.5-Triple M, Madison

This free download has soul! And it's homegrown, courtesy of a Milwaukee band known as Herman Astro. Herman Astro’s bluesy, rock sound is powered by lead singer Zachary Pluer’s hearty, soulful voice, accompanied by Cody Calderon (drums), Eric LeMieux (guitar), and Adam Dosemagen (bass). They recently performed at the Pabst Theater for a soul'd out show with Alabama Shakes (see what we did there?).

Their upbeat songs deliver the kind of funky good time that makes you wanna dance. And the slower jams? When the tempo wanes, the soul grows. So go ahead, embrace Wisconsin music, and give these fine fellas a listen. You can download their song “Tell Me” for free below. It’s the first single from their debut album Chico, which was just released in December. You can scoop that up right here.

If you like to get down to soulful fresh sounds, you best grab a $10 bill and make your way to The Frequency this Tuesday night. Herman Astro will be opening for Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds. Show starts at 8!
- 105.5-Triple M, Madison

Radio Milwaukee listeners who elected Herman Astro's "Sambawete" (from its 2010 EP) as catchiest song of the year might be a bit surprised by the funk 'n' blues band's first full-length album, "Chico."

Aside from the sultry, Spanish-language "La Lengua," there isn't much of the tasty Tex-Mex flavoring on the album that made "Sambawete" such an on-the-spot charmer, and there are a couple of missteps.

"Shoulder" tries a bit too hard to be hot and heavy with its thick '70s guitar, and the best part of "Tongues" is a guitar riff reminiscent of the Doobie Brothers' "Long Train Runnin'."

While there might not be an obvious catchiest-song contender here (although a gleeful singalong about animals, hidden at the end of the album, is pretty irresistible), Herman Astro is no one-hit wonder, as "Chico" makes abundantly clear, especially with repeat listens.

After kick-starting with some solid, if not bold, down-home blues numbers, "Chico" comes into its own with strong, slow burners, particularly "Tell Me (What I Gotta Do)," "Royalty" and "Bread," all passionately sung by Zachary Pluer.

Insta-hits they're not, but they're richer and more rewarding than the song that helped make Herman Astro a band to watch.

- Piet Levy, Special to the Journal Sentinel

Herman Astro will hold its CD release party at 9 p.m. Saturday at Mad Planet, 533 E. Center St., with the Right Now and DJ Marcus Doucette opening. $8 at the door, $5 in advance at hermanastro.org; includes copy of CD. Ages 21 and older. - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Radio Milwaukee listeners who elected Herman Astro's "Sambawete" (from its 2010 EP) as catchiest song of the year might be a bit surprised by the funk 'n' blues band's first full-length album, "Chico."

Aside from the sultry, Spanish-language "La Lengua," there isn't much of the tasty Tex-Mex flavoring on the album that made "Sambawete" such an on-the-spot charmer, and there are a couple of missteps.

"Shoulder" tries a bit too hard to be hot and heavy with its thick '70s guitar, and the best part of "Tongues" is a guitar riff reminiscent of the Doobie Brothers' "Long Train Runnin'."

While there might not be an obvious catchiest-song contender here (although a gleeful singalong about animals, hidden at the end of the album, is pretty irresistible), Herman Astro is no one-hit wonder, as "Chico" makes abundantly clear, especially with repeat listens.

After kick-starting with some solid, if not bold, down-home blues numbers, "Chico" comes into its own with strong, slow burners, particularly "Tell Me (What I Gotta Do)," "Royalty" and "Bread," all passionately sung by Zachary Pluer.

Insta-hits they're not, but they're richer and more rewarding than the song that helped make Herman Astro a band to watch.

- Piet Levy, Special to the Journal Sentinel

Herman Astro will hold its CD release party at 9 p.m. Saturday at Mad Planet, 533 E. Center St., with the Right Now and DJ Marcus Doucette opening. $8 at the door, $5 in advance at hermanastro.org; includes copy of CD. Ages 21 and older. - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

From opening for Fitz & the Tantrums to the EP track "Sambawete," voted catchiest song of 2010 by Radio Milwaukee listeners, Herman Astro has accomplished a lot without even having a full album to its name. The band formed in 2009, but three of the four band members have been jamming together since they were kids, and that history plays a big part in Astro's success and in the strengths of its first full-length album, "Chico," to be released Saturday.

Who's who: Zachary Pluer, 27 (lead vocals, acoustic guitar; he's the nephew of Milwaukee singer Robin Pluer); Cody Calderon, 26 (drums); Eric LeMieux, 26 (electric guitar); and Adam "Dos" Dosemagen, 24 (bass guitar). Pluer spoke for the band.

Website: hermanastro.org

Day jobs: Adam and I work at Alterra, Cody is a bartender and Eric works for the Pabst Theater on the street team.

How they met: (Cody and I) became stepbrothers when we were 8. We were best friends, we were baptized together, we've known each other our whole lives. I've known Eric since I was 12; he lived in the same neighborhood. I met Adam when we were working at Pizza Hut together when I was 20.

The song that started it all: It's embarrassing to admit, but Cody, Eric and I were sitting in my bedroom seven years ago listening to the Verve Pipe song "The Freshman." Cody already played drums and Eric was starting to play guitar. We listened to that song and I said, "This seems pretty easy. We can probably do this." I went and bought a bass, and two or three days later, I was taking bass lessons. We started our first band when I was in sixth or seventh grade.

Band name back story: "Hermanastro" is Spanish for stepbrother. With Cody and I being stepbrothers, and I have a college degree in Spanish, and Cody is from a Spanish background, we liked the idea of it.

They say they sound like: We're in our mid- to late 20s. Lyrically, I think you can kind of see the desperation that comes along with that age. A lot of people our age are grappling with their place in the world. Musically, funk, blues and rock are the strongest three characteristics."

We say they sound like: A simmering, occasionally boiling, stew of soul-seasoned, bar-ready blues-infused rock, with a little fresh funk on the side.

Album cover back story: This photo (of a smiling man holding a fish in front of a boat named Chico) has been hanging on our parents' fridge for years. .?.?. (The picture is of) Cody's father, my stepfather, on a fishing trip in Door County in 1977.

Describe your look: We try to be as classy as possible. We like the idea of the old soul bands where there's a whole spectacle to it and they dress up. So we have a very eclectic style of dress: salmon sports coats and suspenders and red hats. We try to be as eccentric as our music is.

Worst gig: It was in Chicago, our first out-of-town show, and the third show we played. It was a small venue, and the opening band was a death metal thrash band where the lead singer played in his skivvies. They had three friends there, and we brought eight to 10 with us, and they were the only people that were there. We could have invited these people to one of our practices, and it would have been the same thing.

Favorite cover song: We've done a version of the Outkast song "Roses," which Cody will do the rap to. That's always fun. We play it as a funk-blues song. We like changing genres like that.

Song you've written that you're most proud of: "Tell Me (What I Gotta Do)," our new single. Musically, it captures sort of our emotive qualities, and lyrically, it serves as our mission statement. The lyrics are very much about how we've chosen to take this path in life. Although it's not financially or socially the best thing we can do with college degrees, it's what we've chosen to do, and we're going to own up to that.

Next gig: "Chico" album release party, 9 p.m. Saturday at Mad Planet, 533 E. Center St., with The Right Now and DJ Marcus Doucette opening. $8 door, $5 - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

From opening for Fitz & the Tantrums to the EP track "Sambawete," voted catchiest song of 2010 by Radio Milwaukee listeners, Herman Astro has accomplished a lot without even having a full album to its name. The band formed in 2009, but three of the four band members have been jamming together since they were kids, and that history plays a big part in Astro's success and in the strengths of its first full-length album, "Chico," to be released Saturday.

Who's who: Zachary Pluer, 27 (lead vocals, acoustic guitar; he's the nephew of Milwaukee singer Robin Pluer); Cody Calderon, 26 (drums); Eric LeMieux, 26 (electric guitar); and Adam "Dos" Dosemagen, 24 (bass guitar). Pluer spoke for the band.

Website: hermanastro.org

Day jobs: Adam and I work at Alterra, Cody is a bartender and Eric works for the Pabst Theater on the street team.

How they met: (Cody and I) became stepbrothers when we were 8. We were best friends, we were baptized together, we've known each other our whole lives. I've known Eric since I was 12; he lived in the same neighborhood. I met Adam when we were working at Pizza Hut together when I was 20.

The song that started it all: It's embarrassing to admit, but Cody, Eric and I were sitting in my bedroom seven years ago listening to the Verve Pipe song "The Freshman." Cody already played drums and Eric was starting to play guitar. We listened to that song and I said, "This seems pretty easy. We can probably do this." I went and bought a bass, and two or three days later, I was taking bass lessons. We started our first band when I was in sixth or seventh grade.

Band name back story: "Hermanastro" is Spanish for stepbrother. With Cody and I being stepbrothers, and I have a college degree in Spanish, and Cody is from a Spanish background, we liked the idea of it.

They say they sound like: We're in our mid- to late 20s. Lyrically, I think you can kind of see the desperation that comes along with that age. A lot of people our age are grappling with their place in the world. Musically, funk, blues and rock are the strongest three characteristics."

We say they sound like: A simmering, occasionally boiling, stew of soul-seasoned, bar-ready blues-infused rock, with a little fresh funk on the side.

Album cover back story: This photo (of a smiling man holding a fish in front of a boat named Chico) has been hanging on our parents' fridge for years. .?.?. (The picture is of) Cody's father, my stepfather, on a fishing trip in Door County in 1977.

Describe your look: We try to be as classy as possible. We like the idea of the old soul bands where there's a whole spectacle to it and they dress up. So we have a very eclectic style of dress: salmon sports coats and suspenders and red hats. We try to be as eccentric as our music is.

Worst gig: It was in Chicago, our first out-of-town show, and the third show we played. It was a small venue, and the opening band was a death metal thrash band where the lead singer played in his skivvies. They had three friends there, and we brought eight to 10 with us, and they were the only people that were there. We could have invited these people to one of our practices, and it would have been the same thing.

Favorite cover song: We've done a version of the Outkast song "Roses," which Cody will do the rap to. That's always fun. We play it as a funk-blues song. We like changing genres like that.

Song you've written that you're most proud of: "Tell Me (What I Gotta Do)," our new single. Musically, it captures sort of our emotive qualities, and lyrically, it serves as our mission statement. The lyrics are very much about how we've chosen to take this path in life. Although it's not financially or socially the best thing we can do with college degrees, it's what we've chosen to do, and we're going to own up to that.

Next gig: "Chico" album release party, 9 p.m. Saturday at Mad Planet, 533 E. Center St., with The Right Now and DJ Marcus Doucette opening. $8 door, $5 - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Sometimes a picture extends so far beyond the moment it captures that it stands as an enduring metaphor. For the Milwaukee blues-soul-rock band Herman Astro, that's the case with the cover of their debut album, Chico, a photograph of a grinning, triumphant young man holding a giant fish in front of a boat.

That young man, in fact, is drummer Cody Calderon's father Chico, circa 1977. Besides being a striking image in its own right, the image clues in the listener to the vibrant and adventurous nature of the band.

"He's got this little glimmer to his eyes, and that reflects what we're thinking about— hopefully our eventual rise," Calderon says. "We're looking forward and are excited."

The band began playing together in 2009, but their ties go back much further. Calderon is joined by stepbrother Zachary Pluer (vocals/acoustic guitar) and childhood friends Eric LeMieux (electric guitar) and Adam Dosemagen (bass).

The band's gritty, blues- and soul-based sound is shaped by the different backgrounds of each member. Calderon brings a lot of Latin and funk rhythms to the table on drums, while Dosemagen keeps busy with monster bass lines. LeMieux lays down gritty guitar work. Topping it off is Pluer's soulful vocals.

"Cody and Dos are more from the jam background. They're heavily influenced by funk and jazz drum and bass. I think that's what harnesses us," Pluer says. "The rhythm section has allowed Eric and I to go over it to create something more unique, so it's not just a throwback funk band. We're adding those different styles because the rhythm section is so tight and unique."

Andrew Nelson, the band's manager, adds that while the band shares influences with Fitz and the Tantrums and Kings Go Forth (both of which the group has opened for), Herman Astro's diverse range of influences also includes Latin rhythms and shoegaze, creating a different and unique dynamic.

That dynamic is especially evident during live shows.

"You see them joking on stage," Nelson says. "These guys are always so free, and know what each other is doing. Their shows are always lively and vibrant and have this great energy to them. I think that comes from a deep place that they have in all of them, this deep connection and friendship."

Nelson describes their music and live show as a roller coaster, with really exciting, danceable highs—"a lot of ladies dancing in the front to their songs"—broken up by powerful, heartbreaking songs.

The band recorded Chico mostly live at Howl Street studio to capture the spirit of those shows.

"We wanted to record as live as possible to duplicate our live shows instead of tracking instruments individually, because sometimes you lose a little bit of that feeling when you're not all in one room and all recording at the same time," Calderon says.

In addition to their close bond, the band's shared experiences as 20-somethings give the music a special immediacy and strength. Like Calderon's father's youthful and vigorous attempt to catch that fish on the cover, the band pursues its dreams with great determination.

"I think in our live show you can see the desperation that comes along with being that age. We're constantly pushing, pushing, pushing. I think you can see that in all the songs," Pluer says.

Herman Astro plays an album release show at Mad Planet on Saturday, Dec. 17, at 9 p.m. with The Right Now and DJ Marcus Doucette. Tickets ($5 advance, $8 door) include a copy of the album. - Shepherd Express (Milwaukee weekly magazine)

Sometimes a picture extends so far beyond the moment it captures that it stands as an enduring metaphor. For the Milwaukee blues-soul-rock band Herman Astro, that's the case with the cover of their debut album, Chico, a photograph of a grinning, triumphant young man holding a giant fish in front of a boat.

That young man, in fact, is drummer Cody Calderon's father Chico, circa 1977. Besides being a striking image in its own right, the image clues in the listener to the vibrant and adventurous nature of the band.

"He's got this little glimmer to his eyes, and that reflects what we're thinking about— hopefully our eventual rise," Calderon says. "We're looking forward and are excited."

The band began playing together in 2009, but their ties go back much further. Calderon is joined by stepbrother Zachary Pluer (vocals/acoustic guitar) and childhood friends Eric LeMieux (electric guitar) and Adam Dosemagen (bass).

The band's gritty, blues- and soul-based sound is shaped by the different backgrounds of each member. Calderon brings a lot of Latin and funk rhythms to the table on drums, while Dosemagen keeps busy with monster bass lines. LeMieux lays down gritty guitar work. Topping it off is Pluer's soulful vocals.

"Cody and Dos are more from the jam background. They're heavily influenced by funk and jazz drum and bass. I think that's what harnesses us," Pluer says. "The rhythm section has allowed Eric and I to go over it to create something more unique, so it's not just a throwback funk band. We're adding those different styles because the rhythm section is so tight and unique."

Andrew Nelson, the band's manager, adds that while the band shares influences with Fitz and the Tantrums and Kings Go Forth (both of which the group has opened for), Herman Astro's diverse range of influences also includes Latin rhythms and shoegaze, creating a different and unique dynamic.

That dynamic is especially evident during live shows.

"You see them joking on stage," Nelson says. "These guys are always so free, and know what each other is doing. Their shows are always lively and vibrant and have this great energy to them. I think that comes from a deep place that they have in all of them, this deep connection and friendship."

Nelson describes their music and live show as a roller coaster, with really exciting, danceable highs—"a lot of ladies dancing in the front to their songs"—broken up by powerful, heartbreaking songs.

The band recorded Chico mostly live at Howl Street studio to capture the spirit of those shows.

"We wanted to record as live as possible to duplicate our live shows instead of tracking instruments individually, because sometimes you lose a little bit of that feeling when you're not all in one room and all recording at the same time," Calderon says.

In addition to their close bond, the band's shared experiences as 20-somethings give the music a special immediacy and strength. Like Calderon's father's youthful and vigorous attempt to catch that fish on the cover, the band pursues its dreams with great determination.

"I think in our live show you can see the desperation that comes along with being that age. We're constantly pushing, pushing, pushing. I think you can see that in all the songs," Pluer says.

Herman Astro plays an album release show at Mad Planet on Saturday, Dec. 17, at 9 p.m. with The Right Now and DJ Marcus Doucette. Tickets ($5 advance, $8 door) include a copy of the album. - Shepherd Express (Milwaukee weekly magazine)

In the liner notes for Chico—the debut full-length album from Milwaukee’s Herman Astro—the band members thank “all of our ex-girlfriends, without whom, none of this would be possible.” It’s that kind of winking, boys’ club mentality that permeates much of the album (there’s even a jokey hidden track, for goodness’ sake), yet the band is far from boorish and unlikable. Bluesy, jazzy, and funky in equal measures, Herman Astro may have all of the hallmarks of a jam band, but a well-honed sound, a crack rhythm section, and a strong vocal presence set it apart from the dorm-ready pack.
Give credit to a surprisingly mature and thoughtful M.O. Though a handful of Chico’s tracks are dance-ready anthems (see: the funky “Boilerplate”), the bulk of the album is a relatively introspective affair, given over to tales of broken-down relationships and their messy aftermaths. Opener “New Orleans” is slinky and subdued, while the lovely closer “Pennies And Dimes” is delicate and remorseful. Singer Zachary Pluer’s strong, soulful vocals are front and center throughout, calling to mind the distinctive growl of Blues Travelers’ John Popper. (Dig Pluer belting out “Are you going to find your own way?” on the standout “Tongues.”) The band’s ace in the hole, however, is drummer Cody Calderon, whose jazz leanings give the album a rich, vibrant hue.
Engineered by Shane Hochstetler at Howl Street Recordings, Chico sounds terrific, and maintains a steady pulse from song to song. Still, Hochstetler and the band aren’t afraid to toss in some brass during “Shoulder” and “Tell Me (What I Gotta Do),” and a guest spot from Crooked Keys vocalist Leah Kowalewski is equally welcome. The disc often seems in search of a memorable hook, though it remains a solid, fully realized introduction to a talented, affable band.
The group will celebrate the release of Chico Dec. 17 at Mad Planet. - The Onion: A.V. Club

In the liner notes for Chico—the debut full-length album from Milwaukee’s Herman Astro—the band members thank “all of our ex-girlfriends, without whom, none of this would be possible.” It’s that kind of winking, boys’ club mentality that permeates much of the album (there’s even a jokey hidden track, for goodness’ sake), yet the band is far from boorish and unlikable. Bluesy, jazzy, and funky in equal measures, Herman Astro may have all of the hallmarks of a jam band, but a well-honed sound, a crack rhythm section, and a strong vocal presence set it apart from the dorm-ready pack.
Give credit to a surprisingly mature and thoughtful M.O. Though a handful of Chico’s tracks are dance-ready anthems (see: the funky “Boilerplate”), the bulk of the album is a relatively introspective affair, given over to tales of broken-down relationships and their messy aftermaths. Opener “New Orleans” is slinky and subdued, while the lovely closer “Pennies And Dimes” is delicate and remorseful. Singer Zachary Pluer’s strong, soulful vocals are front and center throughout, calling to mind the distinctive growl of Blues Travelers’ John Popper. (Dig Pluer belting out “Are you going to find your own way?” on the standout “Tongues.”) The band’s ace in the hole, however, is drummer Cody Calderon, whose jazz leanings give the album a rich, vibrant hue.
Engineered by Shane Hochstetler at Howl Street Recordings, Chico sounds terrific, and maintains a steady pulse from song to song. Still, Hochstetler and the band aren’t afraid to toss in some brass during “Shoulder” and “Tell Me (What I Gotta Do),” and a guest spot from Crooked Keys vocalist Leah Kowalewski is equally welcome. The disc often seems in search of a memorable hook, though it remains a solid, fully realized introduction to a talented, affable band.
The group will celebrate the release of Chico Dec. 17 at Mad Planet. - The Onion: A.V. Club