Astrë - 1981 - Foresight

Astrë

1981

Foresight

01. Hole In The Sky Pt. 1 6:20

02. Through The Looking Glass 6:08

03. Lar-Asia 6:30

04. Before The Gods 6:43

05. The Doorway 9:34

06. World Class 13:42

    I Nadia

    II Free And Expressive Beauty

    III Competition

    IV The Waiting

    V The Glory

Bass, Keyboards, Vocals – Bill Tankersley

Drums, Voice – Les Mobley

Keyboards, Guitar – Mark Loveless

Astrë's 1981 album Foresight is the kind of delightfully earnest progressive rock relic that makes you wonder what might have happened if the genre's golden age hadn't politely (or rudely) bowed out just as these Oklahoma lads were hitting their stride—imagine ELP, King Crimson, and a dash of Yes crashing a Tulsa basement party, complete with umlauts for that extra European flair.

Hailing from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Astrë (sometimes stylized with the umlaut to signal their prog credentials) formed around 1978 and soldiered on until about 1984, though they're best remembered for their classic trio configuration active around the time of this release. They self-released Foresight as a private pressing on the tiny Akustic Records label (essentially a DIY venture), capturing that raw, underproduced charm so common to American regional prog efforts of the early '80s. It was a labor of love in an era when synth-pop and hair metal were stealing the spotlight, proving that geographic isolation from the coastal scenes didn't dampen their symphonic ambitions one bit.

The core musicians involved paint a picture of versatile multi-instrumentalists making the most of limited resources. Bill Tankersley handled bass guitar, bass pedals, keyboards, and vocals, serving as a central anchor with his broad skill set. Mark Loveless contributed keyboards and guitar, bringing fiery leads and textural depth, while Les Mobley powered the kit on drums and added talking voice elements for atmospheric flair. This trio setup allowed for tight interplay and expansive arrangements without the bloat that sometimes plagued larger ensembles. Engineering by Rod Slane helped shape the sound, though the budget constraints are evident in the final mix.

Influences are worn proudly on the sleeve like a vintage Yes tour jacket: Emerson, Lake & Palmer's keyboard dominance and bombast loom large, filtered through King Crimson's angular intensity (especially Larks' Tongues in Aspic vibes) and Genesis/Yes-style epic structures. There's a distinctly American art-rock twist—think complex, somewhat AOR-adjacent melodies meeting dissonant prog workouts—making it feel like a heartfelt homage rather than mere imitation. The band existed in that sweet spot where technical prowess met heartfelt, if occasionally overwrought, songcraft.

Technically, Foresight is a keyboard-driven tour de force hampered (or perhaps enhanced, depending on your tolerance for lo-fi charm) by its modest production. The album opens with the keyboard-heavy "Hole in the Sky Pt. 1," blending AOR accessibility with ELP-style organ stabs and driving energy that immediately signals the ride ahead. Tracks like "Through the Looking Glass" and "Lar-Asia" (possibly nodding to ancient supercontinents amid the prog fantasy) showcase intricate guitar work, shifting time signatures, and dynamic builds that reward repeated listens. Longer pieces, especially the epic side-closing "World Class" suite (split into movements like "I. Nadia," "II. Free and Expressive Beauty," up to "V. The Glory"), unfold like a multi-part symphonic journey—complete with suspended chords, wailing synths, and theatrical flourishes that echo Close to the Edge but with a rawer, more idiosyncratic edge. The playing is tight and expressive, with Tankersley's bass pedals adding foundational depth and Loveless' guitar cutting through like a prog scalpel. Vocals are somewhat limited and intimate, prioritizing instrumental prowess over radio-friendly hooks, which gives the whole affair an authentic, almost demo-like sincerity. It's not the most polished gem in the prog crown, but the passion shines through the occasional muddiness, creating a listening experience that's equal parts exhilarating and endearingly scrappy.

The artwork complements the music's ambitious weirdness perfectly. Featuring a striking, atmospheric cover drawing (with additional design input credited in various editions), it evokes a sense of cosmic mystery and otherworldly foresight—think swirling abstractions or surreal imagery that perfectly suits the album's epic scope and fantasy-tinged titles. The umlaut on the band name adds a cheeky layer of continental sophistication to their Oklahoma roots, while the overall private-press packaging feels like a handmade invitation to a secret society of prog enthusiasts. It's not Roger Dean-level fantasy art, but it has soul and fits the era's DIY ethos like a well-worn cape.

Upon its 1981 release, Foresight understandably slipped under the mainstream radar, much like many private-press prog outings of the time—too late for the '70s boom and too uncommercial for the shifting tides of the '80s. Public reception was likely confined to local scenes and a handful of dedicated tape traders, but among collectors and prog aficionados who discovered it later (via reissues, rips, or word-of-mouth), it has earned glowing praise as a hidden masterpiece. Critics on sites like Prog Archives and enthusiast blogs laud its complex arrangements, ELP-infused fire, and emotional depth, often calling it one of the strongest American prog efforts of the period despite (or because of) its raw production. Its legacy lives on as a cult favorite among crate-diggers and retro-prog fans, frequently reissued on CD (including Japanese mini-LP editions) and celebrated for proving that heartfelt, technically dazzling rock could thrive far from the industry centers. In the grand tapestry of progressive rock, Astrë's Foresight stands as a testament to perseverance and passion—a roadside (or Tulsa-side) attraction that continues to reward those willing to peer into its sonic crystal ball. If you're hunting for overlooked gems that punch way above their weight, this one deserves a prominent spot in your collection.