Ash's finest hour? (Nu Clear Sounds - Ash)

Member Name: hugon

Product:	Nu Clear Sounds - Ash
Date:	11/12/00 (43 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Very accomplished, mature sounding record

Disadvantages: Mightn't appeal to all ash fans, samples are a bit out of place

In my opinion this is Ash's finest album to date. I'll maybe be revising this come next spring when their new album comes out, if the new tracks I have heard are anything to go by.

This was Ash's first album as a four-piece with the addition of guitarist Charlotte Hatherly, and with this sees a more marked change from the poppiness of "1977" as Ash head down a more dark, broody, heavier path. Critics seemed to adore the album, although the fans reception was more lukewarm, it lost them quite a few fans whilst not really gaining them any. I think the more mature sound really benefits the band, as they grow up and move on.

Projects
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Is a fantastic opening track, as well as concert opener. Beginning with a hum that grows louder and louder and then some really great guitars before the explosion of sound of drums and bass coming in. It really makes you sit up and pay attention, the guitar playing is fast and accomplished, it is really atmospheric and moody.

Low Ebb
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This is another dark heavy song, but played much more slowly and with more meaning. it's about holding on to memories after a relationship has broken up, it is very depressing and the style of song complements the lyrics, it meanders along and then everything hits you and the guitars kick in. A perfect thinking song.

Jesus Says
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This was the first single to be lifted from the album, and premiered the addition of DJ Dick Kurtaine as part-time member of the group, assisting on scratching duties. To be honest I prefer the song live without scratches, but apart form that it is a good rock song, simple three chord stuff that is very punky and takes influence from their early stuff.

Wildsurf
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Is the one song that would have sat well on 1977. It's a brilliant pop song about making it to a "New Time" and it's all about the exhilartion felt at the start of a realti
onship. It was a shame it didn't do well in the charts as it is a really fine, feelgood, happy song.

Death Trip 21
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This track makes a lot more use of the scratching, and takes the heaviness up a few notches. There is some really heavy guitars on here, backed up with some sampled screeches, that makes for pretty difficult listening. It requires a bit of patience, but the sound is an aquired taste and it's one of those songs you can put on to let the aggression out.

Folk Song
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After the heaviness of Death Trip 21, comes a song, which rather like the title states, is a folk song. Played with bright acoustic guitars it is quite a sweet song, but it doesn't really stand out against the darkness of the rest of ther album. The string certainly provide a bit of welcome sunlight.

Numbskull
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This is a bit of a punky aggressive track which starts off with a quick riff and then Tim screaming. It's short and to the point, about a lover that's out of control. Again, it's mood music, you can listen to it when you're in a bad mood and feel the agression flow with the song.

Burn Out
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This is another slow song, but it's quite dark. It's actually one of my favourite tracks, the guitar playing encompasses only a few chords, but the simplicity seems to benefit the song. The song seems to be about dying of old age, and the slowness and method about the song complements it nicely.

Aphrodite
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Is another slow song, about falling in love. It again isn't exactly one of the standout tracks on the album, the riff tending to be a little dull and forgettable, but the lyrics, all about confusion and desire redeem the song a little.

Fortune Teller
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Is another sample ridden track, in the same vein as Death trip, but in my opinion it is the superior of the two. The fastness of it all makes the
samples stand out less, it is easier on the ear, and sounds more like Ash.

I'm Gonna Fall
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The final track on the album is another sow, quiet song about love, played high up on the fretboard, creating a bit of a dreamy sound. I really like this song, about loving someone so much you'll do anything for them, the sentiments are really nice and can't help but leave you with a smile on your face.

In summing up, I think it is Ash's best album. It shows there is more to them than simple chord, three minute pop songs, and that they are actually accomplished musicians. Perhaps a listen would be advised if you have only ever heard 1977, but I would hope you'd enjoy this as much as 1977, and as much as I did.

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