It is undoubtedly a 'Mission Possible' for Northern Ireland’s legends of indie-power pop, Ash. Their ninth studio album, ‘Ad Astra’, launches with high energy, serving as an exhilarating sequel to 2023’s ‘Race The Night’. The band is set to explore new sonic territories, elevating their sound and broadening their musical landscape.
True to its name, ‘Ad Astra’ represents the band’s most ambitious and sophisticated work yet. This isn’t their first time exploring cosmic themes; the captivating realm of space has consistently influenced their sound and fueled their creative vision.
Their debut album, the landmark ‘1977’, was named for the year the original Star Wars film premiered, and its lead single, ‘Girl From Mars’, included the lyric ‘and as I look to the stars’. With ‘Ad Astra’, it appears Ash is making a subtle reference to their roots. Is it written in the stars? Absolutely!
The band collaborated with Graham Coxon of Blur and The Waeve on two tracks, including the standout ‘Fun People’, which addresses the social challenges of contemporary life.
With its catchy and bold hooks paired with confident vocals, ‘Fun People’ exudes an explosive post-punk energy, enhanced by Graham Coxon’s vibrant guitar work.
The other side of this double A-side single, the introspective ‘Which One Do You Want?’, reflects the theme of indecision (or is it?!) and shines with its flowing, sunlit guitar soundscapes.
Infused with the realities of 21st-century romance, ‘Ghosting’ provides a sharp, satirical take on one of modern dating's most frustrating aspects: disappearing without explanation.
The track captures the emotional consequences of a casual, swipe-right culture, where relationships are transient, accountability is rare, and a throwaway approach to dating results in silence rather than closure. Highlighted by the clever line ‘Maybe I’ll get back to you/Maybe I’ll walk right through you’, it truly reflects today’s disconnection in romance.
The band’s exhilarating blend of calypso and punk rock shines through in their energetic version of Harry Belafonte’s ‘Jump in the Line’, which is surprisingly addictive. This catchy track is now lodged in my head, thanks to the Ramones-inspired drumming and relentless tempo.
‘Dehumanised’ continues the energetic momentum, exhibiting intensity and drive that contrasts beautifully with ‘Keep Dreaming’, which encapsulates the dreamy essence its title suggests.
The sonic adventure of ‘Ad Astra’ boldly kicks off with the album opener ‘Zarathustra,’ which draws inspiration from Richard Strauss’s iconic theme in 2001: A Space Odyssey – a soundscape as grand as the Force itself! It establishes a cinematic atmosphere, serving as a stirring introduction to the rest of the album and feels like it’s igniting new possibilities in the sonic realm.
Ash are undeniably embracing an exciting new phase, yet their signature anthems, filled with positivity, remain evident. In the uplifting ‘Give Me Back My World’, the band captures the innocence and optimism that have characterized their catalog while preserving their enduring charm.
Written during lockdown, ‘Give Me Back My World’ resonates strikingly even five years later. While the chaos of that time has faded, its message persists: even amid turmoil and uncertainty, there exists a world of beauty worth holding onto.
With ‘Ad Astra’, Ash strikes a balance between introspection and renewed vitality, presenting a vibrant, engaging, and cosmic collection that is truly extraordinary. Be sure to pick up a copy from a record store in a galaxy not too far, far away – you won’t regret it!
8/10
Words: Emma Harrison // @emmahwriter
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It’s completely ‘Mission Possible’ for Ash, the indie power pop legends from Northern Ireland. Their ninth studio album, ‘Ad Astra’, takes off in a high-octane manner.