Just Around the Corner by The Astros is a masterpiece.

I know. Hyperbole, right?

But I feel the term applies, as it was used historically.

Not only is this third full-length album by the Kingston band a work of very high standard, but I think it demonstrates that The Astros can crank out exceptional records for as long as they want.

Recorded at three studios—including The Wilderness’ new Evergreen Recording Co.—and released August 2, the band considers Just Around the Corner their most thoughtful album. And that's exactly how it sounds. The thematic, lyrical, and sonic cohesion of the album is remarkable, and the urge to listen again and again, irresistible. Just Around the Corner is infectious. There isn't a skip on this thing. The 11 songs packed into just 35 minutes will leave you wanting more.

Musically, Just Around the Corner sees The Astros blazing new territory. The album blends elements of indie rock, power-pop and alt-country to evoke a sense of summer and campfires, alternating deftly between upbeat and mid tempo numbers (sometimes in the same song, as it does on the album's title track). "On this album, we drew from a lot of twangy country influences (for) a more rustic and acoustic sound," described the band in an interview with Kingston Live. "These twangier cuts are… a stark sonic shift from our last album. This newfound sound also motivated the visual component, as we ditched our typical over the top colourful appearance for a more down-to-earth style."

The Astros' superb grasp of quiet/loud dynamics and the exquisite sequencing of the songs are underscored by the excellent production of the band's guitarist and vocalist, Ben Granger, who also mixed the album entirely in his bedroom.

Despite the album's summer sensations, lyrically, the outlook isn't as sunny as the soundscapes would have you believe. Just Around The Corner confronts missteps that ended a relationship, and grapples with the residual sting.

"Our last album, Sci-Fi Radio, was a bombastic collection of songs (with) fun hooks," the band told Kingston Live. "On this record, we really tried to offer a collection of songs that tackle heartbreak, getting older, and learning to let go of those feelings we’ve been wrestling with."

As much as I love a happy ending, I appreciate the warts-and-all portrayal of a young narrator who's both grieving and growing. It feels authentic, and there's nothing more mature than that.

The record starts on a high note with “All My Friends Are Taken," and ends on a high note with "Just Around the Corner," and there's no duds in between. It is well-conceived, and possibly even better in execution.

I urge you to listen to Just Around The Corner. It is a worthy album that deserves attention. Give it a stream or find it at one of Kingston's local record stores. The limited orange vinyl edition is attractively packaged featuring excellent—and thematically fitting—photography from Kingston's Keleman Stapley. Not to mention that you'll be supporting a local act that shows a great deal of promise. Posted: Aug 31, 2024