East

By now we are left wondering where the supposed Eastern feel of the album exists, with the CD-Insert blurb claiming superlatives such as "Eurasian Fusion" and "experimental ethnic trance". It's actually not until track 6, "Compassion is Chic" that they finally begin to introduce this mixture of Eastern/Ethnic sounds with Western dance beats. An interesting hybrid which works amazingly well throughout the remainder of the album.

The next song goes a bit weird, more of a filler, only lasting a minute or so. It combines a mystical sounding flute over a hypnotic eastern sitar riff. Strange, but nice to hear some experimental music being created in this day and age of manufactured girl/boy bands.

Once again, another shift in style, and we are listening to pure rock with "Walk Too Tall". A great sounding grungy guitar in there. "Shine" brings us back to the commercial dance style combining Eastern religious chants and four-on-the-floor drum loops with happy happy lyrics.

"Earth", another weird filler, followed by my favourite song of the album, "Even Now You're Gone". This mixes all of Ashmores styles; dance, acid, relatively heavy guitar, and a brilliant Eastern sound right the way through. I wish this was ten minutes long! The final song, Clouds, is a full-on hypnotic Ethnic sounding piece with classical Indian percussion which further reveals Ashmores obsession with Eastern mysticism. Half way through the song, things go crazy and a very fast jungle type drum beat really gets things going and brings the album to a brilliant soundscape finale.

Overall, Ashmore have created a very new unique sound which, though does not quite live up to the promise of being completely Eastern in sound, gets pretty close. All the songs have their own unique way of making an impression on you mainly because of the variety of styles used. As long as you can handle the sudden changes in music style, this is a truly brilliant album. It's this type of music we want to hear when we switch on the radio. I do admit you will have to listen to the album a few times before you can fully appreciate it as I do but please do listen to it.

This album is truly excellent melding many different influences producing an extraordinary album full of unique moments and showcasing very special talent. I highly highly recommend it.

Track 4 (East) is great, in fact there are many great tracks. You can feel the angst in Eye for an Eye. Many tracks are 'close your eyes and soak it in' kind of tunes that move and twist but in wierd and beautiful ways.

Track 11 (Even now you're gone) is a dark but compelling fusion of asian and western styles. An excellent track.

Perhaps my favourite would be track 12 (Clouds). Perhaps not to everybody's taste but certainly something new to my ears. From slow to frenetic to wherever ...

All in all. Cool. I like East. It's a good album and I hope it does well. Buy it.

Initially, this style of music is not my usual cup o' tea, but it very quickly grew on me!

Oppenheimer: THE WAY FORWARD!! With a little re-mixing, this could be the ultimate clubber's track.

East: This really shows Power's accoustic background. Clean, crisp vocals, fused with accoustic guitar. Again, not usually my chosen genre, but this is easy listening and a refreshing track!

Even now you're gone: A tribute to the fundamental spark of inspiration that brought Power and Hunter together. Annia's death may have shaken Hunter emotionally, but it has only strengthened his will for success and broadened his imagination to the outer limits.

Overall, an inspiring compilation of some of the most weird and wonderful sounds to cross your hi-fi system. With so many different styles of music on one CD, there is a track for everyone! East has certainly earned a place on my CD rack!

East might seem a little...strange to some people, but since the production of the first album, the band has matured somewhat and the second is an absolute gem! Watch out for its release!