Caution:Thieves - The Astronomer (Album Review)

Caution:Thieves – The Astronomer
Released: October 31, 2025

Lineup

Chris Meekin // Guitars
Tomas Leitch // Bass
Nicholas Simonsen // Vocals & Guitars
Jim Stevens // Drums

Online

Facebook
Instagram

“The best songwriting comes from being as creative as you can and editing it down to the good bits, essentially.” – Alex Kapranos.

‍Although Scottish indie post punk rock band Franz Ferdinand are undoubtedly in a different realm of soundscape compared to Melbourne’s post-hardcore-meets-alt-metal quartet Caution:Thieves, there is a shimmering bond between the two outfits (and practically, countless others).

The concept record.

‍Franz Ferdinand have undertaken (arguably) two concept albums, the first being Tonight: Franz Ferdinand (2009), loosely based on a night of partying and the outcomes of morning after. The other being the quintet’s most recent LP The Human Fear (2025), which the guitarist/vocalist Alex Kapranos describes as “a bunch of songs searching for the thrill of being human via fears.” Both full-lengths charted rather well, with the former attaining enormous success on a global scale.

‍For Caution:Thieves, their debut album The Astronomer follows a character (The Astronomer) who discovers a door that enables him to move between worlds. Considering that the current world he exists in is facing extermination from the impending explosion of the sun, he enters a new world via this doorway. He discovers his people are alive in this new world, some of whom are prisoners. A rebellion then emerges, and a battle against the villainous leader is launched, to which The Astronomer and his people are victorious. Unfortunately, the victory sends the world out into a new universe, somewhere unknown. Gratefully, their world was saved, but the people are now further away from their loved ones.

Undeniably, this is an incredible narrative that approaches Coheed & Cambria’s phenomenal storytelling.

The tales between ‘Ferdinand and C:T are obviously widely separated in subject matter, but they are connected by being astonishingly “creative”.

The question is, does The Astronomer leave the spectators Always Ascending?

Read on.

The entrance into this musical odyssey begins with ‘Act 1 – The Great Obsolescence’, essentially this is The Astronomer’s opening declaration before undertaking this great adventure. The listeners can fundamentally visualise the character expressing these words in an intergalactic metal opera of theatrical illumination. As vocalist/guitarist Nicholas Simonsen croons the powerful statements: “Looking up at a dying sun, face-to-face with extinction.” And “There could be something more out there” over post-rock colourings with alternative metal undertones, this journey is set to be, wondrously mystifying.

‍‘Act 1 – New Frame’ follows entrancingly with the heavier side of The Getaway Plan’s instruction, and the exploratory post hardcore pop of Canada’s Secret & Whisper. Simonsen showcases harshness and harmony throughout the track with his vocal delivery, that would in-all-likelihood impress Clint Boge.

‍‘Act 1 – Tired Of Sleep’ demonstrates a shadowy Balance & Composure delicacy that magically melds into a math rock aura that the criminally underrated This Town Needs Guns would appreciate. “That door is open.” Nicholas tenderly serenades channelling Nick Thomas from The Spill Canvas. In the observers’ minds though, it is felt that a drastic chapter is about to be set in motion.

‍‘Act 1 – The Bridge Between’ is a monumental shift is Caution:Thieves’ soundscape, the dynamic now calls upon The Illusion Of Safety era of Thrice, with metallic punk vigour that culminates into a world-shaking bombardment of cinematic heaviness. ‘Act 2 – The Sun Of Another World’ marvellously maintains the Thrice influence, notably ‘T&C’, but the song manages to incorporate moments of Saosin’s progressive pop moments, with the harsh intensity of Static Dress.

“YOUR WORLD IS GOING TO END, THERE IS NOTHING THAT YOU CAN DO!” Simonsen bellows as the post-metalcore barrage of ‘Act 2 – The Nemesis Game’ wreaks havoc in an unquestionable highlight of the 12 tracks. Alexisonfire’s infamous fuzz-percussion that is found on ‘Boiled Frogs’ guides ‘Act 2 – Knowledge Is Power’ to begin, before a prog-metal crusade pilots the followers fantastically, fusing the sonic landscapes of Karnivool and The Receiving End Of Sirens superbly (Wild Things Records, it is time to open your eyes and ears). ‘Act 2 –Surviving Isn’t Living’ builds on this momentum, with Djent passages, and post-rock sprinklings enhancing the atmosphere.

This is delightfully devastated by the featured pulsating groove metal beatdowns, then an inspired lyrical message shouted by Mr. Simonsen – “You know, SURVIVING ISN’T LIVING!” excellently emphasises the message of this astounding artwork.

‍‘Act 3 – Moments At Dusk’ is a luscious instrumental exploration that SleepMakesWaves would cherish, warmly introducing this final theatrical segment. ‘Act 3 – Fight Or Flight’ is the track that Wolf & Bear wish they had written, and if the Californians ever make their way to Australia, Caution:Thieves are irrefutably, the best support band for that tour. ‘Act 3 – Worlds Apart’ exhibits that same prior-mentioned motif, except replace W&B with Sweden’s VulKan. Their described: “heavy, epic music with a sense of melodies” representation is, as it happens, brilliantly befitting for C:T.

The closer of this divine journey ‘Act 3 – The View From Here’ reflects the introduction ‘Act 1 – The Great Obsolescence’ immaculately. The listeners can once again, virtually envision The Astronomer articulating his poetry in a charismatic cosmic love rock ballad of orchestral cinematic radiance. The addition of strings and synth textures elevate the composition to enchanting echelons of tranquillity, as Nicholas Simonsen dazzlingly harmonises: “I’ll see you in the stars”.

“The best songwriting comes from being as creative as you can.”

‍Caution:Thieves have embarked upon this ambition with rockin’ refinement.

Rating: 8/10
The Astronomer is out Oct 31st. Pre-order here. Get the vinyl here
Review by Will Oakeshott @teenwolfwill