Coming on like prog rock giants Hawkwind but in the heavier, post-Sunn 0))) world, the Nottingham, U.K., act Pilgrim Fathers rightfully declare their sound "music for astronauts to die to." Featuring vocalist Shelf, guitarist Feg, bassist Stephen Averill, drummer Kev Richardson, and Dan Gardner on keyboards and "cosmic sounds," the band toured the U.K. both solo and with 65daysofstatic before signing with the adventurous label Undergroove. In early 2008, BBC DJ Daniel P. Carter gave the band its big break when he world premiered the track "Gold, GOLD!" on the Radio 1 Rock Show. They dropped their debut album, Short Circular Walks in the Hope Valley, in April and followed it with more touring, including gigs opening for Monster Magnet and Orange Goblin. Following in the Hawkwind tradition of numerous side projects, Feg and Shelf are also involved in the Pilgrim Fathers offshoot Pilgrim Sons. ~ David Jeffries