Meltdown [Us Import] [Limited Edition, Import]

If there's one thing that Meltdown proves, it's that young people just don't know how to rock. Because Ash, having spent the better part of their formative years in the music industry, have finally matured into a proper rock band. Leaving behind the power-pop leanings of their previous albums, frontman Tim Wheeler and his bandmates crank it up to 11 right from the opening riffs of the title track. This is the sound of a band who have spent a lot of time listening to the Smashing Pumpkins, particularly Siamese Dream, and it shows on tracks such as "Orpheus" and "Out of the Blue". Wisely, though, they've kept the self-indulgence at bay--Meltdown is the sound of a band having fun, and its energy is often infectious. Even Wheeler's voice, often the band's weak point, is improved by the well-placed harmonies of guitarist Charlotte Hatherley. Best of all, though, is drummer Rick McMurray, who sounds like he's grown an extra set of arms since recording their last album--the rocking "Clones" would be half the song without his relentless beats. Meltdown is easily Ash's best album since 1977; this is the sound of a band becoming interesting again. --Robert Burrow

You could be forgiven for thinking that Ash had an impossible task on their hands when it came to writing and recording the follow up to 2001's pop drenched classic, Free All Angels. A lot of bands could have curled up and died after producing a number one album and five hit singles. But not Ash. Instead the debauched four-piece have returned in a blaze of glory with a record which quite simply rocks!

The genius of Meltdown, the band's fourth album, is that Tim Wheeler and the gang have managed to retain their instantly recognisable pop traits. But they have injected their melodies with a much harder edge. Producer Nick Raskulinecz, whose previous work includes the Foo Fighters and System Of A Down, is the man responsible for the band's beefed up new sound.

The opening title track is a prime example of this as Tim's harsh lyrics: "The rich doctors and the politicians, they rule by fear...keeping us down," are married up with stomping fiery riffs and Rick McMurray's ruthless drum-roll.

Then there's "Clones", arguably Ash's heaviest number to date, and the self-imploding "Detonator." Both tracks ooze serious aggression from a band that are really coming into their own.

Despite the fact they have been around for ten years now their youthful exuberance remains intact throughout Meltdown. Still being in their 20s always helps even if their debauched lifestyle of drink and drugs should have pretty much killed them by now.

If anything, Ash have grown into an awesome guitar-pop group who have become experts at writing great melodies. "Orpheus", for example, is a kick-ass summer anthem backed up with an infectious chorus that is guaranteed to get anyone out of bed.

There is a token ballad to be found on the album in the sweet "Starcross'd". But this pales in comparison to the demonic "Vampire Love" and the poisonous "Evil Eye."

At the moment Ash can do no wrong. Long may it continue. --Damian Jones

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ASH Meltdown (Deleted 2005 US exclusive limited edition 2-disc set comprising of 14-track CD album with 3 bonus recordings [Shockwave Solace and Cool It Down] plus BONUS Region 0 NTSC DVD featuring 5 videos Mini Documentary EPK and Making Of Orpheus. Complete with picture sleeve and housed in a unique card picture slipcase)