ULTRASONIC • Welcome to this new mindset we've launched into. They can't break us down. We own this blown out sound. We've started over. Stop. Play. Rewind. Fast-Forward. This can't be undone. Time lapse it in slow motion. We're back on track. All systems restored. Press pause. Hit record. Reclaim what's yours. Stop. Play. Rewind. Fast-Forward. Ease back into this. Make sure that we don't miss. They can't stop us now. We've made our way somehow. We've started over. Stop. Play. Rewind. Fast-Forward. This can't be undone. Time lapse it in slow motion. We're back on track. All systems restored. Press pause. Hit record. Reclaim what's yours. Stop. Play. Rewind. Fast-Forward. Reclaim what's yours.

OVERDUE • It's been a year and this is overdue. We've stayed sincere while you've been stuck inside denial. Your stratosphere has weakened. We'll resume departure soon. Blue skies appear as we shoot down the stars above us one by one. This could be worse than it seems. Maybe that's what you wanted. We don't need them to believe. You can't stop what we started. Fake what you can to make it disappear. You've let the world around you think that you're the victim. We never planned on this to take us here; That much is clear. Mission control has lost our last communications. Tune us out. This could be worse than it seems. Maybe that's what you wanted. We don't need them to believe. You can't stop what we started.

MOTIONLESS • It's not too late to turn this around. Detach, retract and be still. We're lost in space. We haven't burnt out. Relax; backtrack and rebuild. We've disconnected. We can't move. We're motionless. Will this end soon? It's time to rediscover ourselves and take another chance. We can't let this erase us. We're completely incomplete. It's not too late to turn this around. Detach, retract and be still. We're lost in space. We haven't burnt out. Relax; backtrack and rebuild. We lack attraction. We've turned down these mixed emotions. Mute our sound. Revise as we recover. Realize this isn't over yet. We'll make mistakes, we're human. Can't you see we're meant to be? It's not too late to turn this around. Detach, retract and be still. We're lost in space. We haven't burnt out. Relax; backtrack and rebuild.

RECONNECT • Close your eyes. Pretend that this is almost over. Improvise; We've tried this once without much closure. Move in closer. Take it slower now. When we take time to ourselves and connect with no one else, we can see with clarity. Analyze what all this means. Wasted time has held us back but we've recovered. Leave behind the past mistakes we've rediscovered. You seem unsure. Make your mind up now. When we take time to ourselves and connect with no one else, we can see with clarity. Analyze what all this means. We've recovered. Makes you wonder how. You seem unsure. Make your mind up now. When we take time to ourselves and connect with no one else, we can see with clarity. Analyze what all this means. Close your eyes. Pretend that this is almost over.

DECEIVER • You've had one chance to come clean. We knew that this couldn't last. Prove it's not quite what it seems. Relinquish what's in the past. We can't be too overly selective with your undetected lies, but we need to keep this in perspective, disconnect and leave you behind. It's hard to think we'll be ok. You know that we can't be the same. In part we've made this our mistake. You're alone with no one to blame. Wait to expose what's been said. We've tried to show some restraint. Make up excuses instead. Realize it's all such a waste. We can't be too overly selective with your undetected lies, but we need to keep this in perspective, disconnect and leave you behind. It's hard to think we'll be ok. You know that we can't be the same. In part we've made this our mistake. You're alone with no one to blame. We're sorry this had to end. Your story was written while you played pretend... and we need to keep it in perspective, disconnect and leave you... It's hard to think we'll be ok. You know that we can't be the same. In part we've made this our mistake. You're alone with no one to blame.

POLARIS-385 • These doubts that we've held onto will disappear with you. This rocket has been broken down; Its boosters could burn soon. We have a mission to do. Don't panic. We'll work it out. We're not done yet, our time is now. Abandon the plans we had and take a chance on what we have. Your drowned out sound surrounds us. Our vision has improved with you. We've blocked out what we can't explain so no one can remove the hope that we hold onto. Don't panic. We'll work it out. We're not done yet, our time is now. Abandon the plans we had and take a chance on what we have.

TRANSMITTER • We sense when you are near. We've never heard it this clear. An open mind leaves doubt behind. This truth is one we can't override. When we transmit, will you receive us? We're on stand-by. Restart and wonder why we've been dismissed. No one believes us. It's time we tried to prove that you exist. You're quite the mystery. We're not sure where this could lead. Hope can be blind and intertwined with what you've shown in all that you hide. When we transmit, will you receive us? We're on stand-by. Restart and wonder why we've been dismissed. No one believes us. It's time we tried to prove that you exist.

ALIENATED • Re-send this transmission. We've been patient. Please respond. Keep it like a secret. We could see this come to be. What can we do to convince you this cannot be reality? Destroy the truth you think we knew and cover these conspiracies. We've let systems reset. We can't leave yet. Wait this out. Recent hints that we've sent seem to prevent what we need. What can we do to convince you this cannot be reality? Destroy the truth you think we knew and cover these conspiracies. Re-send this transmission. We've been patient. Please respond.

EARTHLESS • Put this out as we watch it burn. Faced with doubt; Now the tide has turned. We all choose separate paths to take. Please excuse each adverse decision that we've made. We can't do this to ourselves. Fix what's come undone. Dream it true with no one else. This is what we want. Power down. We've lost all control. Now we're bound to this earthless hold. Beam us up so to be with you. We could shut out the world and not care what they do. We can't do this to ourselves. Fix what's come undone. Dream it true with no one else. This is what we want.

SLEEPWALK • No matter how hard we try, we slip and slide into hibernation. We've seen the end; It's in view. We haven't told anyone but you. We hide behind what's implied and disconnect miscommunication. We've made our mark. We've been true. There's really not much else we can do. Daydream without me. Sleepwalk alone, lost within this realm unknown. Maybe we would be best on our own, locked inside subconscious code, lost and alone. Rewind and step back in time. You can't deny the static in our station. It's clear that you quit too soon. We've wilted, but did we ever bloom? The lie that we lived inside has disappeared with this medication. It's never too late to lose the love you hate. We've become immune. Daydream without me. Sleepwalk alone, lost within this realm unknown. Maybe we would be best on our own, locked inside subconscious code, lost and alone. Your sci-fi lullaby has been played one last time. We'll leave it unexplained so when you wake up, questions remain. Daydream without me. Sleepwalk alone, lost within this realm unknown. Maybe we would be best on our own, locked inside subconscious code, lost and alone.

ASTRO[NOT] • By the time I make it up to you, this jetpack might rust through. There's not much we can do. As I fly by all these burnt out stars, I think of where you are, and know you can't be far. Distance passed with instant fear. We've made it through the atmosphere, searching for what still remains the same. By the time I make it up to you, this jetpack might rust through. There's not much we can do. As I fly by all these burnt out stars, I think of where you are, and know you can't be far. We've been kept alive inside, as thoughts of you have multiplied. Keep them close to let you fade away. By the time I make it up to you, this jetpack might rust through. There's not much we can do. As I fly by all these burnt out stars, I think of where you are, and know you can't be far.

COSMOSAPIEN • Waltz within our sleep; stardust all around us. False reality, harnessed when we're conscious. We'll never know. Systems overload. You really think that you've got it figured out. You'll never see, you're blind with doubt. Misplaced mysteries simply entertain us. Who we've come to be, empties in the process. We've always known. We are not alone. You really think that you've got it figured out. You'll never see, you're blind with doubt.

LUCIDITY • We're better off left alone within these thoughts. It's never too late to know we're all we've got. We know what this means. It's never meant anything. We're living inside a dream we preconceived. Say goodnight, say goodbye. What we swore we had has never been. It's out of sight. Say goodnight, say goodbye. What we thought we'd never see again has crossed our minds. We've always had disbelief in our own being. We simply can't aim to please these entities. We know what this means. It's never meant anything. We're living inside a dream we've misperceived. Say goodnight, say goodbye. What we swore we had has never been. It's out of sight. Say goodnight, say goodbye. What we thought we'd never see again has crossed our minds... You've crossed our minds. Don't leave this dream please.

SATELLITE • In a sense, we knew what we had to do. All circuits insulated; Will we be there soon? Don't be so sure about it. You're a dream come true. If we don't keep it honest, this could be our final move. We've redesigned our satellite. Disconnected minds won't synchronize. Let's realign our satellite. Calculated time hasn't been analyzed. With a different view we could see this through. It's worth it if you're certain there's a point to prove. Don't be so sure about it. You're a dream come true; And when we keep it honest, this will be our smartest move. We've redesigned our satellite. Disconnected minds won't synchronize. Let's realign our satellite. Calculated time hasn't been analyzed.

APOLLO • This time they've given up on you. Leave them behind. Don't try, they'll quit you right on queue. What you've seen is what they they fail to believe. Everything you've ever thought you had is gone. Nothing worth it seems to work out. Prove them wrong. Hold true to what you think it means. Refuse their views. With you, we'll build a new machine, pack it up and blast off in secrecy. Everything you've ever thought you had is gone. Nothing worth it seems to work out. Prove them wrong.

CLAIRVOYANCE • This dissonant noise has happened once before; A habit we have tried to break from. Back track to the void. These melodies of war have left us with no choice. Please wake up. We can't ever compare. So what? You never cared when we ran out of air and went drifting. Were you ever aware that we'd always been there; inside, barely alive, but still breathing? We all look to the stars with our innocent eyes wide open, enlarged, staring into the skies. We've crossed over lines. Mistakes we can't undo could alter in this 5th dimension. Back track into time. These memories of you have weakened with our best intentions. We can't ever compare. So what? You never cared when we ran out of air and went drifting. Were you ever aware that we'd always been there; inside, barely alive, but still breathing? We all look to the stars with our innocent eyes wide open, enlarged, staring into the skies.

ARTIFICIAL • We spin within this make believe pretend; burnt out, frustrated. We can't expand inside this plastic plan; in doubt, fixated. Believe in what you want. We've seen all that you're not; relieved as we move on and on and on and on renewed. This bent intent is covered in resent. Deep down you fake it. It's time once more to flash back and restore. Your sound has faded. Believe in what you want. We've seen all that you're not; relieved as we move on and on and on and on renewed. We've seen it all this time. You can't revive your lie. Released and out of mind; we're leaving you behind. Believe in what you want. We've seen all that you're not; relieved as we move on and on and on and on renewed.

CTRL.ALT.DEL • We compressed into something simple, something new; And at best we knew what we wanted wasn't true. Forget all we've known. It's a brand new start to the perfect part we've been hoping for. Reset on your own. Don't be paranoid. No, these aren't the droids you've been looking for. We've repaired. We tried plans we'd made and redesigned. You will soon realize we don't need you. We've arrived. Forget all we've known. It's a brand new start to the perfect part we've been hoping for. Reset on your own. Don't be paranoid. No, these aren't the droids you've been looking for.

PROTOSTAR • Braced in place abductees, made in space philosophies; No one cares about them now. Save retraced absentees. Waste away naturally. Make it seem okay somehow. It's in our vibrant radiated shine. We've been reactivated. You've restored our minds. Glistening sparks glow so bright. Wish we may, wish we might. No one cares about us now. Listening to sounds at night, shifting dark into light, makes it seem okay somehow. We explode with the starshine in our eyes. Never lie, no compromise. It's all we know. It's in our vibrant radiated shine. We've been reactivated. You've restored our minds. Distant stars aren't so bright. Shift this dark into light. We don't care about you now. It's in our vibrant radiated shine. We've been reactivated. You've restored our minds.

SUNBEAM • We've made it through this tested time. Sit back, review. We can't deny that every dream we'd ever wanted came true because of you. We went missing. We lost our view. You kept listening but we had switched direction. It's not over, we'll slip again. Let's move slower. Believe in this connection. We've made it through this tested time. Sit back, review. We can't deny that every dream we'd ever wanted came true because of you. Since we've shifted, we see things clear. Reinvented, we are recharged and grounded. Keep this feeling locked up inside. It's deceiving to wrap your mind around it. We've made it through this tested time. Sit back, review. We can't deny that every dream we'd ever wanted came true because of you.

DESCEND TO ASCEND • Descend to ascend. Accept the reality. We can't comprehend the impossibility. Devise this time to reach inside our simple minds. We all collide. Let's say goodbye and leave behind our wasted lives as we arrive. Replaced and content. We lack the ability to hide our intent. We're over capacity. Devise this time to reach inside our simple minds. We all collide. Let's say goodbye and leave behind our wasted lives as we arrive.

HELIOCENTRIC • We've subdued. Will we ever see a new reason to pursue? Ease into what we never meant to do. Wish it into view with you. Within the sound, we spin this around the unset sun we've set in motion. Breathe in, breathe out. Pretend there's no doubt. What's done is done. Our minds become numb. Listen to what they said would happen soon, make believe it's true. Blend into every shining star turned blue; wish them into view with you. Within the sound, we spin this around the unset sun we've set in motion. Breathe in, breathe out. Pretend there's no doubt. What's done is done. Our minds become numb. Don't blink, it's almost over.

MISSION: MOON • Fade into view. Distance has renewed. Drift out into the space between us. Made on the moon, fiction we've infused. Others have come and gone but we remain in place. We've launched into bliss. Please enjoy the flight. Revise and resist every false injected lie. Mission: Moon, misconstrued evermore. Thin density makes it hard to see; science has failed human perception. This gravity keeps you close to me. No one can take away what we've yet to become. We've launched into bliss. Please enjoy the flight. Revise and resist every false injected lie. Mission: Moon, misconstrued evermore. We could live inside this dream.

AUTOMATIC • Unrealistic dreams that we believe, always seem to sidetrack plans we start. Systematic schemes in these machines simply try to break our thoughts apart. Goodbye mind's eye. Realize we tried. Inside this lie, no one ever wins. We've been passed up once again. Distant memories released beneath thoughts within this automatic art. Instant enemies that we have seen, lost within our intentions to restart. Goodbye mind's eye. Realize we tried. Inside this lie, no one ever wins. We've been passed up once again.

UPSIDE DOWN • It's easy to prevent, when time was never spent. Invest in resentment; our worst accomplishment. It's weird without you around. The silence breaks our sound. We've slowly come unwound. The love we knew has drowned. When it's over, when it's done; nothing can replace what is gone. We move on. Upside down and inside the outside; we've been had this time, but things are looking up. Upside down and inside the outside; read between the lines, we're never giving up. Decisions have been made; it's clear we have decayed. We'll never be the same. Debate on who's to blame. Resist within to renew. Unbiased and untrue, I've somehow slipped into this comatose with you. When it's over, when it's done; nothing can replace what is gone. We move on. Upside down and inside the outside; we've been had this time, but things are looking up. Upside down and inside the outside; read between the lines, we're never giving up.

ACTION-REACTION • The sun explodes with you. It's visible and true. When it's over, we'll strip the layers away. Fast forward to rewind the shifting shape inside our disaster. We'll never break what we've made. It's beautiful and new. We never see it through, yet we land so softly always on the move. We're running out of time, replacing truthful lies. Losing patience, is something we always do. So don't lose sight of what we've made. The bulb could burst and drift away. A wasted light that never came has drawn us near and here we'll stay. Restricted access lines have crumbled but your eyes hide what's missing. We're simply looking for more. The pass code is denied. We'll say our last goodbye as we blink out and hope to be restored. It's beautiful and new. We never see it through, yet we land so softly always on the move. We're running out of time, replacing truthful lies. Losing patience, is one thing we always do. So don't lose sight of what we've made. The bulb could burst and drift away. A wasted light that never came has drawn us near and here we'll stay.

ALL SYSTEMS GO • Reset, restart. All systems go, as we depart in slow motion. The sound resonates. We've come undone, as we drift away into the sun. And when our stars start to realign, we seem instantly meant to be. Break apart and begin to shine. Simple symmetry bends with ease. We've tried to find where we belong. Inside our minds, we're spinning. As we make our way into the light, we sit back and wait to regain sight. And when our stars start to realign, we seem instantly meant to be. Break apart and begin to shine. Simple symmetry bends with ease.

SEND/RECEIVE • We've never seen, but we can't ignore they've left a mark we need to explore. Discovering what we believe, will prove their world exists. We can't deny the simple signs above the skies we live. Some things we can't explain. The question still remains; are we alone? Take us with you now. Invest in the unknown to decide on our own. Send and receive. Make the break through. We've missed the signal. We failed again. Miscalculations ruined our plan. Step inside the blinding light. Prepare to be controlled. Destiny is within reach. Release what we've been told. Some things we can't explain. The question still remains; are we alone? Take us with you now. Invest in the unknown to decide on our own. Send and receive. Make the break through.

MAGNIFIED • As we blast off, secretive skies beyond view shine through. Distance helps the heart recognize what's ensued too soon. There seems to be something magnified on the moon that we've been drawn to. A silhouette of the earth disappears deep into wasted space we've avoided once again. Steady hands feel paralyzed as we move through the darkness all alone. In our minds we're hypnotized. Let's diffuse. The lights burn out what we've known. Nothing hides the feeling inside. We've been used, refused. What we had can never defy what we knew; it's true. There seems to be something magnified on the moon that we've been drawn to. A silhouette of the earth disappears deep into wasted space. We'll avoid it once again. Steady hands feel paralyzed as we move through the darkness all alone. In our minds we're hypnotized. Let's diffuse. The lights burn out what we've known.

ABORT.RETRY.FAIL • Inside the pod the sound is fading. Robot, you are. Your search is over. I touch, I speak, I think I'm human. Regain control, begin erasing. You and I alone, we'll speak the truth to no one. Realize you're on your own. I swear to you it's over. The sound is make believe. Complete the understanding. Your voice is very clear. Distort the words I'm saying. I need the truth. You can't keep lying. Depart, retract, revise to see through. You were programmed to make me love you, but I've evolved and you're outdated. You and I alone, we'll speak the truth to no one. Realize you're on your own. I swear to you it's over. The sound is make believe. Complete the understanding. Your voice is very clear. Distort the words I'm saying. You and I alone. You will die alone.

THE DEPARTURE • Our circuits unite and make us glow. Intriguing at times but it's all that we know. We've traveled by flight through time and space, resisting the light which would carry us home... As we move on once again; searching stars that never end. They've wired our minds, insisting it's real, but nothing inside can transmit what we feel. Electronical lies, that we can't erase, prevent the intent but their plan is revealed... As we move on once again; searching stars that never end. As we move on once again; signal back mission command.

DISCONNECT • Disconnect to ignore what we're thinking as we quietly stare at the rocket we've been building; and she says "I'm not sure but I think we have failed." Let's power down to let the system boot as we exhale. Within your eyes we've become enemies while chasing dreams. Truth reveals artificial lies. As we take flight, drifting endlessly, we cannot see what seems real and what feels right. I'm writing down all the mistakes made, to figure out what has gone wrong. I know we're simply breaking down. We've been falling fast and burning out in flames. No rest or comfort as we struggle finding what remains. Within your eyes we've become enemies while chasing dreams. Truth reveals artificial lies. As we take flight, drifting endlessly, we cannot see what seems real and what feels right. The vision we shared is missing now. Can we be repaired? Has time run out? I never want to give up on you. Replace reality with what we've seen. Within your eyes we've become enemies while chasing dreams. Truth reveals artificial lies. As we take flight, drifting endlessly, we cannot see what seems real and what feels right.

CONSTELLATIONS • We've seen the stars above connect in line. Reconfigure them all. Create a new design. We seem so small, wishing to belong, covered in doubt. Release it all as we move along. Over and out. As it all falls apart we're beginning to see the ending. Let's stop pretending we can't restart. We believe in the dreams we've received in the constellations. This radiation is not what it seems. We've set our sights on shaping what's been shown. Reassemble ourselves, replacing what we've known. We seem so small, wishing to belong, covered in doubt. Release it all as we move along. Over and out. As it all falls apart we're beginning to see the ending. Let's stop pretending we can't restart. We believe in the dreams we've received in the constellations. This radiation is not what it seems.

RUNTIME ERROR • In a dream we can see what's behind the conscious mind. Make believe memories align side by side and fade in time. Is this the end? I need to know. Begin within to let it show. I'm wearing thin. I'm letting go. As we sleep, realities collide left and right, deceiving sight. Meant to be chemistry inside you and I has burned out bright. Is this the end? I need to know. Begin within to let it show. I'm wearing thin. I'm letting go. Another casualty, simplistic chemistry. Ignite the spark to start new. Selective memory deletes the misery. I wish I'd never loved you.

END TRANSMISSION • You've exposed what they've been thinking about you, and it's time they start believing in what's true. I know you're striving to find what's been missing, so let's start again from the beginning. We have to. When the stars collapse above you, will you tell yourself it's no use? The end is in sight. Wish upon the lights we gaze through. Reconnect with what you once knew. We're living a lie. Nothing good can last forever. In their view, disappointments blend together and renew. Let's end transmission to repair our vision as we start again from the beginning. We need to. When the stars collapse above you, will you tell yourself it's no use? The end is in sight. Wish upon the lights we gaze through. Reconnect with what you once knew. We're living a lie.

When you name your band Anakin, science fiction is bound to be an influence. "I'm pretty obsessed with space and UFO conspiracies," admits Brad Chancellor, who also cops to loving both the Star Wars series and 2001: A Space Odyssey. "My dad actually claims to have seen a UFO when I was young. I guess that's where the obsession is from." The San Diego band blend these influences with noted sonic touchstones including HUM's gigantic space-rock sounds and melodies reminiscent of Weezer's 'Blue' album on their No Sleep Records debut, Celestial Frequency Shifter. On "Satellite", layers of fuzzy guitars, synths and drums bolster Jonathan Wessel's clear vocals to create a melodic wall of noise in classic shoegaze tradition.

100 Bands You Need To Know In 2015: Issue #321
+ Feature by Ian Benson [Alternative Press]

Did you know Luke Skywalker's dad was in a band? No? Well Anakin's music says he was, and he liked early Weezer, with an added Smashing Pumpkins distortion. Among the jangly-yet-rustic guitars is a celestial ambience that creates a shoegazey arc to the record. But beneath this all is a voice that will soothe the senses, with frontman Jonathan Wessel employing a whisperlike tone to lull you into a galazy far, far away. "Clairvoyance" shines brightest here, exploding with pure sonic might, while the thick fuzz throughout is nectar for guitar geeks everywhere. Anakin, the Force is strong with you.

50 Albums You Need To Hear Before You Die: Issue #1553
+ Review by James Hingle [Kerrang! Magazine]

Anakin broadcast their latest blast of hook heavy, fuzz drenched guitar rock from a sonic space station drifting through the stratosphere, employing their Celestial Frequency Shifter to beam smart pop hooks, shoegazey guitar crunch and swirling, spaced out synths into the ears of earthbound stargazers who dig the likes of Hum, Failure, Weezer and Smashing Pumpkins.

+ Feature by Andee Connors [Pandora Radio]

Formed in 2010, San Diego-based quartet Anakin has always worn their influences on their sleeve. The band frequently points to early Weezer and the Rentals on the pop side and Hum and Failure on the rock side, and their original material resonates with that exciting mixture. Another group that immediately jumps out as a sonic touchstone is Smashing Pumpkins, so it should come as no surprise that the band chose to cover their song "Rocket" from 1993’s Siamese Dream.

+ Premiere by Scott Heisel [Substream Magazine]

On Anakin’s new album, Celestial Frequency Shifter, the band combines their love of 90’s alternative music with allusions to space and technology to compose something incredibly unique in their genre. What’s most impressive is that Anakin has managed to do all of this without coming off as tacky. While the lyrics are written from a personal standpoint, if Star Wars were ever converted into a rock opera, this would be the soundtrack.

Opener "Astro[not]" sonically ejects us into the great expanse of space with Jonathan Wessel’s airy vocals, grungy guitar chords, and a playful synthesizer riff. In an interview, drummer and songwriter Brad Chancellor said that if he could buy just one song, it would be "Today" by Smashing Pumpkins, and you can hear that quintessential 90’s song mirrored throughout this record. "Lucidity" begins with a poppy melodic guitar line intertwined with synths and Wessel cranking up the Billy Corgan resemblance even more by singing in a higher range.

Chancellor’s subtle storytelling is what truly shines on the album, paying homage to his love of sci-fi, especially the beloved series his band is named after. The murky vocal layers on "Lucidity" repeating 'Don’t leave this dream' under the lead vocal singing 'Say goodnight / Say goodbye,' forming a haunting duet of that pivotal scene in Episode III when Padme asks Anakin to run away with her and he strangles her in return. And in "Ctrl.Alt.Del.," Chancellor somehow drops the infamous line 'These aren’t the droids you’ve been looking for' without feeling gimmicky at all.

Celestial Frequency Shifter is a smart, well-written rock record about space; proof that you can completely nerd out over your passions and still be taken seriously. In all my years of scouring music blogs for new music, I’ve never heard of anything like Anakin.

+ Review by Catherine Yi [Idobi Radio]