“Ad Astra” is the recently released third full-length album by New York-based trio Black Rose Burning. This material consists of nine compositions that will unquestionably appeal to even the pickiest post-punk fans. It’s one of those recordings you’ll solely enjoy from scratch to finish, without skipping songs, because these highly creative musicians put the collective effort into creating a fine piece of sonic artistry.
Perhaps “Ad Astra” shines with all the qualities of modern post-punk sound, but this album reveals even more genres as you dig deeper. You’ll stumble upon some of the finest properties borrowed from many complementary music genres like goth rock, synthwave, new wave, alternative, and indie. The band thought about everything while implementing these additional elements, so they remain loyal to the primary sonic direction while these additions serve more as enhancements that uplift their music on an entirely new level.
“Ad Astra,” “Think Too Much,” “Sing To Me,” “So Cold,” “Stranger,” “Become The Machine,” and “Per Aspera” are just some of the standout tracks where Black Rose Burning‘s ideas and musicianship shine the brightest, but the remainder of the material is equally good too. Their creativity, talent, skills, knowledge, and experience are on full display here, and you’ll unquestionably notice how every band member plays a significant role in shaping such a magnificent sound.
George Grant’s exceptional vocal performance is the centerpiece of this material, as he emphasizes his and Frank Morin’s guitar maneuvers. Every number comes with a comprehensive collection of catchy themes, perfectly executed leads, profoundly melodic chord progressions, and excellent riffs. Grant also thought about low-end instrumentations, so you’ll notice how equally complex, vividly hearable basslines provide more than necessary heaviness, clarity, and depth. He also proves his multi-instrumental skills with synth programming since every number comes with jaw-dropping leads, themes, chord progressions, and ambiances. Luis Infantas’ flawless drumming performance, based upon moderate, well-accentuated rhythmic sequences, beats, breaks, fills, and other percussive acrobatics, offers groove and pace but also keeps the remainder of the band in line.
Black Rose Burning collectively sounds superb from beginning to end, and it seems like their musicianship becomes even more jaw-dropping with each following song. You’ll have a great time while listening to “Ad Astra” if you’re profoundly into post-punk and goth rock music, but it’s also a highly recommended album for the newbies to these genres. It will appeal to anyone even remotely into skillfully arranged music because the Black Rose Burning fully stacked their songs with brilliant ideas and exceptional musicianship. The album is available on all streaming services.
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