I was first introduced to Andrew Osenga while we were both in the nursery of our church in Normal, IL. Okay, I don’t actually remember that but that’s what my parents and grandparents have told me. In truth, I was introduced to Andrew’s music by his brother Robby who happened to be visiting my grandparents while we were there and he gave us an autographed copy of the album “Coming to Life” by the Normals. I have followed the career of Andrew Osenga (the Normals lead singer) ever since. After his stint with the Normals he joined Caedmon’s Call (another group I have loved from the beginning) and has continued to also work on his own individual music.
His latest album, “Leonard, the Lonely Astronaut”, is his best yet. In this new album he introduces us to a character of his own making:
Osenga introduces us to Leonard Belle, whose story we enter in the wake of the unexpected death of his wife—a beginning made all the more tragic by the fact that they were in the midst of settling their divorce. With so much left unresolved, Leonard’s grief takes the form of his accepting a job as the lone pilot of a space freighter delivering cargo to the far reaches of outer space. Because of the laws of relativity, all of Leonard’s friends will have grown old and died by the time he returns to earth. Leonard wants out of his own life. In fact, he’s probably been absent from it for quite some time already.
(Taken from Jason Gray’s review of the album here: http://www.rabbitroom.com/2012/04/leonard-the-lonely-astronaut-blasts-off/)
The completely unique approach of this album allows for Andy to really delve into some heavy issues. The songs will lead you through a roller coaster of emotions and leave you with plenty to think about. Personally it made me really appreciate my wife and want to show her my love so much more.
Also of note, this guy threw himself into this project to the point of building a "spaceship" and then writing and recording the album in the spaceship while wearing a spacesuit! Talk about getting into character!
This album is phenomenal for those who put more emphasis on lyrics than on radio worthy catchy beats (although the beats are wonderfully catchy in my opinion – I’ve been whistling and humming these tunes from my first listen). Jason Gray’s review (linked above) puts my feelings into much more eloquent words than I ever could but I did want to say I fully recommend this album. The catch is that Andy is only selling it at the rabbitroom.com store and only until midnight on 4/24/12. After that he’ll lock it away and start a full-fledged publicity push until the fall. So if you want a copy go get it soon!
