Ash - 'Starcrossed' (East West)
4/5
By: Kevin Molloy
Ash have been problematic. Whilst Tim Wheeler's songwriting maturity has risen meteorically, his wax wings have 'sometimes' melted under the fiery furnace that is pandering to a non-committal summer audience. But like Icarus, even when Wheeler's wings melt the result is glorious. And it's the fact that he can write about such mythology with passion perfectly encapsulated in power-pop that truly sets him apart. Euphorically, 'Starcrossed' is a step above even these dizzying heights.
Ignoring the Shakespearian premise, the song is crafted like an oak table: solid, reliable and trustworthy. From the pinched harmonics of the brief guitar solo to the ringing power-chords of the verse, the song is everything we've come to expect of Ash's anthems. Add the lyrical topic, however, and the craftsmanship extends to the cathedral housing the table, replete with gothic architecture, sculptures and stained-glass windows. Wheeler takes the poetry of our great bard and transcribes it for our attention-deficient generation with a simple sublimity that loses none of the heartache of that original fated fling between Capulet and Montague.
Truly then, an affirmation that Wheeler is a constant force upon both the rock and pop scenes, and that even the ubiquity of 'Free All Angels' cannot hold him back from getting even better. It will stretch your vocal-chords and your heart-strings, but with a glowing optimism, for fear not; Ash are here again to shape our summer.
Artists in this article: Ash
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