Album Review: Calling All Astronauts – Noise Against Tyranny (Supersonic Media)

Vocalist programmer David B and multi-instrumentalist Paul McCrudden, better known as the politically charged UK duo Calling All Astronauts, are back! It’s been four years since the release of their critically acclaimed third album ‘#Resist’, and as fascism and nationalism are still rearing their ugly heads across the globe they felt now would be a fitting time to release their fourth album, ‘Noise Against Tyranny’. Released on July 11th, 2025, via their own Supersonic Media.

A name synonymous with eclectic and electrifying alternative sounds, Calling All Astronauts are a well-respected band. One that consistently pushes musical boundaries, and while it has been a long wait (four years) for a new album, they’ve returned with even more fire in their bellies, even more eccentric ideas, and even more addictive genre-bending detail.

Ten tracks long, Noise Against Tyranny is an addictive listen, and while the variation in track structure and style does mean not everything will resonate, so much does. Especially as the entire things is steeped in socio-political commentary. Though that should come as no surprise to anyone who knows this band. They speak their mind, and passionately push back against fascism, racism, sexism, transphobia, and more (as we all should).

It is a part of the band that is as important as the music, which begins in punchy and addictive fashion via Pray for Your Soul and Will Somebody Help Me? The former’s blend of dramatic effects, rhythmic beats, and sharp vocals immediately grabs the attention, but it’s the latter that truly turns heads, at least it did mine, and all because of the synth. Which blends so well with punchier guitars and punkier vocals (the slight sneer is great). A personal favourite, and even the adding of random effects does little to change that.

Another personal favourite, mainly because of the lyrical content and the shout-along chorus, is War on Truth (I do get some Ministry vibes here too). Which sits comfortably alongside the stunning More Than You Need, with its lovable melody and catchy rhythm, and the hyperactive drum and bass floor filler that is Time to Party. See!? Calling All Astronauts know how to have to fun too!

The first half of the record was undeniably varied, and that is something just as prominent in the second half too. Calling All Astronauts mixing elements of goth rock, post punk, industrial, and alternative rock into potent efforts like I Can’t Breathe, which also happens to have one of the album’s most infectious choruses, Take Me to Hell, No Way Out, and Old World (the lyrics are fantastic here). Disparate tones, infused with dissonance, and undeniably addictive in different ways, the latter part of the album is great.

All good things must end though, and Calling All Astronauts wrap things up in electrifying fashion. Experimenting with dubstep, shoegaze, and spoken word via 1979. A finale that will leave you lost for words and convinced that Calling All Astronauts are simply untouchable in their field.

Calling All Astronauts – Noise Against Tyranny Track Listing:

1. Pray For Your Soul
2. Will Somebody Help Me?
3. War On Truth
4. More Than You Need
5. Time To Party
6. I Can’t Breathe
7. Take Me to Hell
8. No Way Out
9. Old World
10. 1979

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