In 2003, a trio of funk rockers by the name of Cross Culture easily made their way into the indie circuit by playing dozens of small venues and having their own page on Purevolume.com. Within two years, a fourth member was added and shortly thereafter the band got signed to Selectric Records (label home to bands Monday Morning and Homeless J.). Their label debut “Proof Positive” received a glowing review and also earned the band a spot at 2006’s “Rock the Light,” the Midwest’s biggest Christian music festival. Unfortunately, having undergone multiple lineup changes during that same year, Justin David, the only remaining original member, wondered if whether or not he should fold on Cross Culture as a whole. However, Justin and drummer Denver Shindle decided to change directions and kept on as a band, only this time it would be under the moniker Over Ashes.

Over Ashes is not only a new beginning for Justin and Co., but is also a slightly newer sound expressed in contrast to Cross Culture. Musically, the band’s debut “Begin Again” (under independent label TAG Music) exhibits more of an alternative approach mixed with pop sensibilities. Surprisingly though, for those who own a copy of Cross Culture’s “Proof Positive” will be astonished to learn that 4 tracks from that album have been added to “Begin Again,” and for some weird oddity are under produced and lack in crystal clear sound quality for this album. The original chaotic madness of the surf-inspired “Wave” will not only have listeners cranking up their car stereos for a decent volume level, but will be disappointed in that the track’s bridge has been completely removed. The lower quality of “Extraordinary,” “She Won’t,” and “One of These Days” also tend to suffer, and were not re-recorded to give it a fresher sound.

Before any false assumptions are made, Over Ashes’ fallbacks are far from ruining their entire album. The songs “Hanging On” and the fun, rap/rock melodies of “Riot” had been planned for a sophomore release from Cross Culture, but with that band on the back burner, it seemed appropriate for those songs to find a new home with Over Ashes. The tender rock ballad “Annual Father” could be an easy contender for the band’s next radio single, while the heart-pounding “The Author” showcases the band’s potential to grow apart of the band it was originally birthed from. The song’s messages are what keep Over Ashes rooted in their faith and standpoint as a band. The album’s lyrics speak of finding strength in the One above(“Hanging On”), longing to live a perfect and sinless life(“One of These Days”), and seeking to mend a broken relationship with a loved one(“Annual Father).”

Though it shouldn’t be a big issue, four songs from “Begin Again” end up appearing in a different order on the CD than the way they appear on the back of the album case's track listing. Over Ashes’ debut could have been better, but with the potential of major growth, fans might see a separate band from Cross Culture within the next couple of years as the band continues to develop their own sound. While it may be short of award-winning, “Begin Again” is currently the 2nd best selling album in the Christian market as I am writing this. In all aspects, I look forward to seeing more of an accomplished effort from Over Ashes in the future, and early signs of high grossing album sales may just be proof positive(no pun intended) of the aforementioned statement.

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