Ad Astra - Beyond Our Bounds

Published Thursday 3rd July 2008
Ad Astra - Beyond Our Bounds
Ad Astra - Beyond Our Bounds

STYLE: Rock
RATING 6 6 6 6 6 6
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 44368-13645
LABEL: Independent
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by Anthony Longville

Doug Bowers, Christopher Flynn and Mitch Rall are all members of Immanuel Anglican Church in Destin, Florida. The three provide the backbone to this project supported by guest musicians including Rev Dave Hope, former Kansas and AD bassist. These are an accomplished set of musicians and those familiar with Hope's previous work will not be surprised to note that this release comes within the progressive rock category. The album steers away from prog epics and contains eight concise pieces of music. The album title is inspired by a motto at the Kennedy Space Centre, commemorating the ill-fated Apollo 1 mission, and meaning "to the stars." The band hope that their music "can help others reach heaven." The title track on the album has the great idea of interspersing the soundtrack of the Christmas Eve broadcast from Apollo 8, reading Genesis 1. It's musically tight and pleasing to the ear, but ironically never quite takes off. The weaknesses here are that the album is all a little safe and one paced and the lead vocals are often weak. Also, a single short instrumental "Ed Spence" fails to light a spark though things finally come together on the last track "Angle Of Repose" where the guitarist is allowed to let rip and a strong vocal performance ends the CD. By no means a bad album it's let down by a lack of musical adventure.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Reader Comments

Posted by Al De Jesus in Fort Walton Beach, Florida @ 15:34 on Feb 19 2008

Excellent work and we want more



Posted by Susan in Florida, USA @ 12:12 on Feb 19 2008

Ad Astra has lyrics which spread Truth. The tunes are easily stuck in my head and I find myself humming along throughout the day. FANTASTIC!


Reply by Chris in Florida, USA @ 04:09 on Feb 29 2008

Thank you Susan. I'm so glad to hear that God's word comes across first through our music. Doesn't hurt that the melodies are catchy. Honestly, thank you for listening.

God's peace to you.
Chris of Ad Astra

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