Andrew Schneider – Astonish Me (2026)
Finding that line between David Bowie, Talking Heads, Joe Jackson and XTC – then blurring those lines – Andrew Schneider breaches the realm of rock with a post-punk chaser, chamber pop charm, psychedelic sheens, and so much more. Undefinable and eclectic, the US-based singer-songwriter refuses to commit to any particular style, and it has heads turning internationally. In 2025, Schneider released the well-received single, ‘Pleasant Thoughts’, which was described as captivating, thoughtful, and a “full-bodied expression of human poignancy and fragility…” – that last one was from our review of ‘Pleasant Thoughts’. Today, he steps into 2026 with his new single, ‘Astonish Me’.
Produced by Schneider, with Dylan Walker (mixing) and Doug McBride (mastering), ‘Astonish Me’ retains the indie-rock meets alternative rock obscurity of ‘Pleasant Thoughts’; however, it has a slightly darker attitude with infusions of old-school jazz-rock in the melody. Truth be told, although this is only what I gather from Facebook, Schneider’s grandmother described it as, “Andrew dear, a little dark.” Joined by session musicians Chris McQueen (electric guitar), Michael Realy (acoustic guitar), Nate Barnes (drums and percussion), and William Haubrich (trumpet, cornet, trombone and flugelhorn, Schneider’s keyboards and bold electric bass weave together in a vintage but contemporary push of rock.
Nostalgic in a way, ‘Astonish Me’ breathes life into memories of Chicago – the band, not the city – with twinges of Depeche Mode, R.E.M. and Prefab Sprout. Brooding and profound with a seemingly menacing depth, one can imagine floating in an inky black melodic pool. Yet, despite the creepy tragedy, Schneider’s rich vocals and the bright, interspersed horns insert a sense of confidence, sentimentality, and acknowledgement in its reflective theme.
“’Astonish Me’ is an urgent song for a turbulent era. Across business, politics, and culture, our leaders are embracing nihilism. Unfulfilled by wealth and privilege, and furious at not being recognised as our betters, they will degrade those beneath them until proper fealty is shown… It reflects on power, decadence, and desire through spectacle as imperial brass consistently escalates in intensity.” – Andrew Schneider on ‘Astonish Me’
Find out more about Andrew Schneider on his Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, Bandcamp, Soundcloud and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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