Ad Astra opens strongly with “Zarathustra,” which gives off Queen/Flash Gordon score energy. Yes-it’s the Zarathustra of Richard Strauss and 2001: A Space Odyssey fame, and it’s a banger! Other standout tracks include “Which One Do You Want?”, which is my new bisexual anthem, and “Fun People”- a massive earworm that features Graham Coxon of Blur. BTW, “Which One Do You Want” gives some delightful, jangly Johnny Marr vibes. My sentimental heart aches for “My Favourite Ghost.”

“Deadly Love” is a solid, classic Ash ballad. “Keep Dreaming” feels like what would happen if The Cars and Fountains of Wayne had a power pop baby. Adam Schlesinger would’ve loved it. The previously released cover of “Jump In the Line” finds a home on Ad Astra, though it feels like it should have been an ending track (or, if possible, a hidden track!). The trio attacks the song with the same spirited verve they had when they covered “Cantina Band” 30 years ago. “Dehumanised” has a brilliant bridge and continues the space theme with an ending that sounds like a rocket burning away.

The title track brings us back full circle with a return to the stars. Coxon makes his second appearance on the album’s charming closer. Ad Astra is definitely gonna be in my top five albums of 2025.