A greatly matured
Thomas Dolby highlights his melodic tendencies on
Astronauts & Heretics. Containing more personal moments enhanced by his love for technology, such tracks as "Cruel," which features a stunning
Eddi Reader, and "Eastern Bloc (the sequel)" help listeners connect with bits of the past forwarded into the future. "Eastern Bloc (the sequel)" even takes its rhythmic sense from the old
Johnny Otis tune, "Willie and the Hand Jive," before it comes into its own. "Silk Pajamas" has a unique pastiche of sound to it and also a very memorable tune to go along. While nothing here appeared to catch fire with the public at the time,
Astronauts & Heretics is still a fine testament to
Dolby's continuing maturity. Time sometimes must catch up to foresighted performers.
Astronauts & Heretics is just such a case. ~ James Chrispell