ASH - Free All Angels

Ash's latest album is more like '1977' than their last album 'Nuclear Sounds'. With less electronic experimentation and a return to fuzz guitar driven pop hooks. This is a great album.

Stand out tracks are 'Burn baby burn', 'Shining light', 'Sometimes' and 'Theres a star'. Tim and co. have changed their image since the days of 'Girl from Mars' aiming for an edgier, sexier look but essentially the lyrics remain hopeful and about innocent attraction. With songs about walking barefoot along the beach, tangled hair and summer stars.

But the lyrics are not mindless crap as spouted by bands like Wheatus. Ash's lyrics are poignant and Tim Wheelers vocals sincere. On the track cherry bomb he sings "don't you know its alright to be alone" and on 'There's a star' -"on nights when the north wind blows through your heart, dream of a new age".

From the albums closing track 'world domination' it is clear that ash are ambitious and the American audience is one they must conqueur. With this album they are heading in the right direction, highly recommended.