The sophomore release by From Ashes To New begins with a tune titled “Wake Up”. This is most fitting since the band is emerging from a hibernation resulting in a metamorphosis. The song sets the stage for the new work. From Ashes To New is anchored by front man Matt Brandyberry, the only original member since their formation in 2013. Lance Dowdle on lead guitar joined Matt in searching for a new lead vocalist to shore up the group resulting in Danny Case joining for the creation of The Future which was released on April 20, 2018. The combination of Matt and Danny produce what we have come to know and love about From Ashes To New. The powerful harmonies and rock/rap mish mash continue throughout this latest release. The first single “Crazy” was sent out early along with an official video. The single was an immediate success climbing up the charts and getting significant airplay on outlets like Sirius XM’s Octane.
The progression of songs on this 40 minute collection of rocking goodness carries on angry with tracks such as “My Name”, “Gone Forever”, “Broken”, and “Enemy”. These tunes blend the strengths of Matt and Danny with rap, harmonies, and the appropriate placed gut wrenching screams. It’s no wonder they have drawn comparisons to the likes of Linkin Park, Papa Roach and Of Mice & Men.
The musicians give the proper sense of urgency and emphasis to the overall message of being true to yourself and not giving up. There is an intensity in these numbers that hits me like a Mack truck when I’m listening. The excellent song writing continues throughout with the use of smart word choice and pace. Track 6, “Forgotten”, changes it up a bit with keyboards and a slowness that highlights the softer side of the group which includes new drummer Mat Madiro. “Nowhere to Run” deftly accentuates the vocal range that Case has and is a nice change, appropriately placed.
The final three songs, “Let Go”, “On My Own”, and “The Future” are where the tone of the overall record converts from ire to optimistic and confident. Lyrics from “On My Own” like “I can make it” and “Darkest places can lead to light” switch the thinking from pissed off to get the hell out of my way because we have “Just begun”, “We are the truth, the chosen ones” and “We are the Future”.
I personally can’t wait to see them bust out these new ditties as part of their live performances. From Ashes To New started a tour kicking off in Minneapolis June 6th. This short run will conclude in Colorado Springs on July 6th. They have also been booked for several fall festivals including River City Rockfest, Rock Allegiance and Louder than Life. Get out and support “The Future” of rock!
Track List:
1. Wake Up
2. Crazy
3. My Name
4. Gone Forever
5. Broken
6. Forgotten
7. Enemy
8. Nowhere to Run
9. Let Go
10. On My Own
11. The Future
06/11 @ June 11 – The Basement – Columbus, OH
06/12 @ The Westcott Theater – Syracuse, NY
06/13 @ Aura – Portland, ME
06/18 @ Chameleon Club – Lancaster, PA
06/19 @ Gramercy Theatre – New York, NY
06/21 @ Baltimore Soundstage – Baltimore, MD
06/22 @ Norva – Norfolk, VA
06/23 @ The Tarheel – Jacksonville, NC
06/24 @ Capone’s – Johnson City, TN
06/26 @ Soul Kitchen – Mobile, AL
06/27 @ Sidetracks Music Hall – Huntsville, AL
06/28 @ The Metroplex – Little Rock, AR
06/29 @ Diamond Ballroom – Oklahoma City, OK
07/01 @ XR Club – Amarillo, TX
07/02 @ Jake’s Sports Cafe – Lubbock, TX
07/05 @ Gothic Theatre – Englewood, CO
07/06 @ Sunshine Studios Live – Colorado Springs, CO
* w/ Shaman’s Harvest
^ w/ 10 Years
*^ w/ Otherwise
Click HERE for Updates & Ticketing Information!
