Ash Live Review in Sheffield by Rob Johnson
It’s been over thirty years since Northern Ireland legends Ash released their debut mini album Trailer in 1994. In that time, they’ve gained and lost a guitarist in Charlotte Hatherley, released a further nine studio albums, played to sell-out crowds all over the world and had a string of hit singles. Ad Astra, the band’s latest record, is their most focused effort in years, and so, the tour to support it, taking in several venues across the UK was hotly anticipated…
As statements of intent go, opening a set with a cover of ‘Zarathustra’ (the theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey) is pretty hard to beat. A packed-out Sheffield Foundry responds accordingly. New tracks ‘Fun People’ and ‘Keep Dreaming’ represent a slightly shaky start with frontman Tim Wheeler’s vocals lost in the mix a little bit, but the band steady the ship with the one-two punch of classic singles ‘A Life Less Ordinary’ and ‘Goldfinger’. The latter inspiring the first big crowd reaction of the evening.
While much of Ash’s late era output is mostly reminiscent of Weezer, new single ‘Which One Do You Want?’, probably the strongest song on the album, features a Johnny Marr-esque jangly guitar intro before breaking into a typically assured chorus. One thing Wheeler has never struggled for is melody. The song sounds great here and provides proof that this is still a band with something to offer other than just playing the hits.
Because Ash were so young when they first burst onto the scene (all of them were teenagers when Trailer was released), they have reinvented themselves several times over the years. When many of their peers from the Britpop era had fallen by the wayside, Ash returned in 2001 with the all-conquering album Free All Angels. ‘Shining Light’, the lead single from that record, has always been a fan favourite, and it sounds incredible here, before ‘Oh Yeah’, one of the band’s best early singles, crashes through the venue like its 1996 again. Crucially, it is clear that Wheeler, bassist Mark Hamilton and drummer Rick McMurray still love playing these songs live. Their enthusiasm is infectious and these songs were built to be played on stage anyway and so it’s impossible not to get swept up in it all.
A spirited cover of Harry Belafonte’s classic song, ‘Jump in the Line’ keeps the party going before Wheeler shows off his guitar chops throughout a pummelling rendition of ‘Orpheus’ – probably the band’s most hardcore song. A mention too for McMurray who savages his drumkit throughout the track like a man possessed. It’s a joy to behold.
The first part of the set closes out with a stunning rendition of ‘Kung Fu’ before ‘Girl From Mars’ brings the house down. The latter will probably always be the band’s calling card and despite much of the audience firmly approaching middle age, the youthful exuberance of Ash’s best-known single is impossible to deny. It’s a timeless classic. It’s a privilege to hear it here it in what is a relatively intimate venue.
After a brief interlude, the band return to the stage with new song ‘My Favourite Ghost’ and 1977 album track ‘Lose Control’ before inevitable set closer ‘Burn Baby Burn’ caps off a tremendous evening of music. While seven tracks from their latest record is perhaps two too many, Ash have earned the right to play whatever the hell they want, and there can be few complaints in the wake of career-spanning 21 song set. All together now… I still love you… the girl from… MARS!
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