ASH made a low-key live return last night (March 27) with a secret gig at London’s Water Rats venue. In front of around 80 specially invited friends, including nme.com.
Ash debuted a set of a nearly 20 new songs, two of which were Charlotte Hatherley fronted. Many will appear on the band’s forthcoming new album, due out later this year.
Lead singer Tim Wheeler told nme.com after the gig: “It’s really great to get to play the new songs, really exciting. And it’s nice to play in front of our friends and to find out what they think. Some of our best friends and family are here and they’re very honest.”
Charlotte gave her vocals to two new tracks, the affecting and delicate ‘Where I’m Calling From’, and the brooding menacing of ‘Get In’, her voice bringing an abrasive edge to Ash’s melodies.
Tim took this opportunity to take a seat and play his guitar from his lap.
Charlotte said, of her new role: “I hope it’s added another dimension to Ash. Me and Tim can give vocals to the tracks which suit us best.”
The new songs see Ash following the tune-laden punk pop path of ‘Oh Yeah’ or ‘Goldfinger’ with a healthy quota of choruses – standouts including ‘There’s A Star’ and ‘Pacific Palasades’ – that promise as much for their outdoor appearances this summer as they do for the next album.
“I hope they’ll sound great at the festivals, I’m looking forward to it.” Tim said. However, the band have not yet confirmed which events they’ll be playing.
The set list in full ran: ‘Shark’, ‘Pacific Palasades’, ‘Nicole’, ‘Shining Light’, ‘Walking Barefoot’, ‘Singapore Song’, ‘Envy’, ‘Candy’, ‘Skull Full Of Sulphur’, ‘Sometimes’, ‘Submission’, ‘There’s A Star’, ‘This Is Slow Suicide’, ‘Where I’m Calling From’, ‘A Life Less Ordinary’, ‘Chinese New Year’, ‘Get In’, ‘Guy’s Scars’, ‘Stay In Love Forever’ and ‘Numbskull’.