Ad Astra Arkestra amalgamated in early 2009, both wife to and progeny of Ad Astra Per Aspera (the band is dead, long live the band). The inhabitants of AAArkestra hoboed in from such outposts as: Paper Airplanes, Tanka Ray, Grisly Hand, Nature Boys, Hairy Belefonte, Muscle Worship, and the IDM label Broken Fader Cartel. Self-described as "Astra Beat," or occasionally "Drum Punk," the sound is a synthesis of marching band vigor, reckless punk abandon and ass-dropping bass lines ala Moussa Doumbi. Live shows are joyous celebrations - both chaotic and engaging - with the band playing (or gleefully butchering) well-known covers and occasionally incorporating bizarre multi-media or even a choral group comprised mostly of fraggley punks. Popwreckoning calls the band, "…all that's right with local music…" while a lawrence.com writer implores the reader, "…for the love of God GO TO THE SHOW. No questions asked!" [emphasis author's]. chain fighters http://adastraarkestra.bandcamp.com