Peace Flag Ensemble’s 2021 debut Noteland was described as “akin to getting stuck in a sensory deprivation tank with Keith Jarrett.” In contrast, Astral Plains embraces openness, with expansive, blue-sky arrangements and production, more akin to lying in a prairie field spotting animals in the clouds with Mark Hollis.

The group blends diverse artistic backgrounds, from classically trained musicians to experimentalists, creating a pastiche of improvisation, composition, and collage. Astral Plains centers on Jon Neher’s piano improvisations and Travis Packer’s electric bass, with the ensemble expanded by percussionist Michael Thievin and guest artists like Patrick Shiroishi and Nick Walters. Produced and mixed by ambient artist Michael Scott Dawson, who adds electronics, guitars, and field recordings, the album features restrained yet melodic contributions from Paul Gutheil (saxophone) and Dalton Lam (trumpet), recontextualized through effects and tape manipulation. The result is a nuanced, joyful record that finds clarity through experimentation.