Aspera, an American indie rock band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, formed in 1996 under the name Aspera ad Astra. The group initially released a 7" split with Haelah before issuing their debut full-length album Peace in 1998. Following lineup changes and several drummers joining and leaving, A.J. Edmiston joined as a permanent member in late 2000, around the time the band shortened its name to Aspera. They began releasing material on Jagjaguwar Records in 2002, including a re-release of their 2001 album Sugar & Feathered. Notable releases include Oh Fantastica (2003) and Back When Love (2003), issued on Philadelphia label Burnt Toast Vinyl. Aspera was part of the "Psychedelphia" scene, alongside bands such as Bardo Pond and The Lilys.
