Recommendation: From Dust to the Beyond (song), by GOD IS AN ASTRONAUT

Album: The End of the Beginning
Year: 2002
Country: Ireland
Running time: 5 mins. 17 secs.
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Once again, this recommendation is not prog, but closely related. The Irish post rock group God is an Astronaut has made some pretty good post rock albums for a full decade now. From Dust to the Beyond is the outstanding second track from their very first album The End of the Beginning (2002), which I think is still the standout, possibly the best song they have made. Or composition is probably the right word here, since like the rest of their output, it is an entirely instumental piece.

God is an Astronaut has three members, and their work is best described as a combination of post rock, ambient and electronica. What makes them stand out among many similar groups is their keen ear on memorable melodies. Also, they never seem to over-utilize the noisy guitar riffs that spoil most of the post rock groups for me. Their music is mainly synthesizer and melody driven, and as such, is exceptionally well made.

From Dust to the Beyond is the best example and introduction to the group's output I can think of. Yet even though that composition is from their debut album, it doesn't mean that their later output would be of lesser value somehow. Many of my very favourite tracks are in fact from their most recent album Age of the Fifth Sun (2010), such as Dark Rift and Paradise Remains. Also, be sure to check out the track that carries one of my all time favourite downer titles, When Everything Dies which can be found on the All is Violent, All is Bright (2005) album.

Between 2002 and 2010, God is an Astronaut has released five full length albums and one EP which in any case contains nearly as many tracks as the official albums. ProgActive recommends!