Search - Ash :: Meltdown

This Is The Best Album Nobodys Ever Heard Of

D. Smith | York, PA | 02/11/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's such a shame that the best album released last year had absolutely no airplay. every song on this album is amazing and the album as a whole is very upbeat and fast except for the very few slow songs which are written well too. unbelieveable and a must own."

MUSE?? Please. This is Ash's best album yet...pure punky m

Larry Davis | NYC/Long Island, NY | 09/26/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Tim Wheeler is possibly the best powerpop songwriter right now. Bar none. Too bad this album was caught in the crossfire in the US between their prior US label Kinetic collapsing, delaying it for months and months, and the momentum gone and changing tastes amongst popular tastes here and the media.



What will probably happen is their NEW US label, Warner's Record Collection, will put it out just so it's out, have the band go on a small tour, and when they do their NEW album, which is being recorded now in NYC, might be a DOUBLE album of 27 tunes BTW, RC will put $$$ into promoting that one properly, with no delays, top priority.



Now, they are back to being a 3-piece, circa "1977", with Charlotte gone, preferring to focus on her solo career. This final Charlotte album is top-to-bottom great, with no dud tracks, catchy chunky loud powerpop riffage, hooks to die for, energy to burn for years, and just killer songs with not an ounce of pretentiousness.



All the singles are great here, espesh the tour-de-force "Orpheus", the gorgeous "Starcrossed" (like "There's A Star" part deux), and the unbelievable "Renegade Cavalcade". "Clones" is their hardest track yet, and yes it burns but brightly, with killer riffs and an even better chorus and Tim's scream in the middle is way cool and not out of place.



Fave overlooked tune here is "Won't Be Saved", a hidden powerpop gem, with an ace melody and creamy harmonies. The bonus B-side tracks are great and the bonus DVD is good value.



Basically, they are amongst the best bands out now that have been around a decade at least, and have not broken huge in the US. This next album could be their time though. Discover a gem of a band if you haven't yet. The best Irish band out now, and yes, that includes U2."