Leonard the Lonely Astronaut: A Review

Over a year ago I supported, on Kickstarter, an Artist that I have enjoyed listening to since my time in India almost 7 years ago. His name is Andrew Osenga and let me say this now, if you haven't found Andy's music yet, you need to find it now! I really can't begin to compare him to many artists, but one that comes to mind is Josh Ritter. Andy has a wonderful story telling writing style and plays a mean guitar. I know this. I saw him play once here in Portland. (Still waiting to go out for burgers and beers Andy! Oh the places I could show you.) Andy is the driving force behind most of his recordings. He plays just about everything on them. I envy the mans talent as well as his heart for creating beautiful music.

Andy just put the finishing touches on his latest album Leonard, the Lonely Astronaut. The album doesn't officially release until this coming Fall, when the trees turn orange, yellow, and brown, yes, that Fall. So why a review so early? So that when the album does come to a record store near you, you go and pick it up so your ears and heart can be in wonderment and joy.

Leonard, is about an astronaut. Actually a single and very lonely astronaut.He is leaving Earth and wont come back for a very long time. So long in fact that all the people he knows on Earth now will be dead upon his return. Leonard is all alone. Bursting out into space,into that great vast expanse that we all look up at night with awe and wonder, with stars, planets, air, blackness, and of course his space craft. The story is full and precise, it aches, breaks, overflows and like aloe stings a little then feels real good on our burned skin. No notes or words are lost in this album. Andy gets everything out on the table with Leonard. And when I say everything, I mean everything. When you are all alone in space, you have a great deal of things to think about, miss, hope for, and try to reconcile. Leonard does it all.

This is not going to be a track by track summary, you don't need it, because you can't hear it yet, so why on Earth, or the Heavens for that matter,would I try and cause you to long for something you can't have?

Here is what you do need to know. Andy recorded this album in a spaceship built just for the process. He made this music in a custom made spacesuit. He played all the music on this album. He has accomplished with this album, brilliance in every essence of the word. From the first note to the final silence of the last track you will be strung out on the epic story of Leonard. This is the ultimate concept album. An album that is messy. An album about a lonely man after the death of his wife, who he was planning on divorcing, and then he is thrust into space. The album is a healing album, but like any album that helps you heal, wounds have to be opened and then over time they heal. Leonard hurts and it also redeems. You will immediately press play again and fly back into space with Leonard.

Also, if you can get your hands on the B-sides, do it. Totally worth it and will further your experience into space with Andy and his companion Leonard.