Ash - Trailer (CD 2001)

I first saw this wee band called Ash way back in 93 supporting the mighty PWEI and was fairly blown away by this gang of spotty herberts whipping up the crowd into a hellbroth with the tenacity and abandonment that only the youth can muster. Thats pretty much what you get here on this their first recording proper. Easy on the production values, as loud as they'll go guitars and angst fuelled melodies that leave you screaming at the stereo "WHY ONLY SEVEN TRACKS?" But this is an outright victory of quality over quantity, of rawness and grit over beautifully crafted soundscapes. This is Ash how I know Ash. Before image was a concern, before the acne cleared up to be replaced by the inevitably of mass marketing and before the dreaded mistress that is the ego overthrew their youthful zeal.
If you're a fan of the latter day offerings of Ash, you may/may not enjoy this. If you like to hear a band who's only agenda is free booze and a queue of groupies at the dressing room door, then fill your boots.