Accidental Astronauts - We’re Not Alone EP (2024)

The Accidental Astronauts of Bozeman, Montana are here for the good times, and their debut five-song EP We’re Not Alone showcases their refreshing ukulele-driven alt-pop sound. These summer jams are catchy, fun and perfect for a Montana road trip.

Mike Collins (guitar, ukulele) is the heart and soul behind this new group, as he wrote and arranged all the songs on We’re Not Alone and also did the mixing, mastering and production work from his home studio.

Many of the songs capture relatable emotions, especially for us in Montana. On the opening “Somewhere Between,” vocalist Jackie Wiegand sings “Montana summers will never get old,” and us in Montana can certainly relate to that, as we earn our three (four if we’re lucky) glorious months of bliss after the brutal winters, which Wiegand laments (“truth be told, I don’t love the cold”).

“Sailor Jerry” is another celebration of good times – all about anxiously awaiting the weekend, sitting by the bonfire and passing the rum. It wouldn’t surprise me if either of these first two tracks became summer anthems.

“Something About You” gets a little more sentimental, but it stays upbeat, with drummer/percussionist Eric Alexander and bassist BJ Miles leading the way with, as Collins puts it, “upbeat rhythms, dynamic and creative drums and driving bass lines.” Wiegand’s captivating crooning compliments these arrangements beautifully. This is certainly the case on “We’re Not Alone,” which has an unmistakable nineties vibe reminiscent of No Doubt.

All five songs have catchy choruses that stick in your head for long periods of time, and also lift you up. This is especially the case for “Somewhere Between” and “Bedtime Stories,” the latter of which is my favorite. The progression is fun and hooks you from the start. When Alexander comes in on drums, the song elevates, and it stays there, making it irresistible and – by the end – leaves you desperately wanting more. It reminds me of 10,000 Maniacs, in part thanks to Miles, who does his best work on this tune, especially on the breakdown. His bass line is playful and irresistible, just like the rest of the EP.