Ash – Darkest Hour of the Night

Today marks the release of the Ash’s new single ‘Darkest Hour of the Night’. It’s taken from their upcoming compilation ‘Teenage Wildlife’, a compilation spanning their 25-year career.

Described by head honcho Tim Wheeler “a ray of light to pierce the darkest night of the soul – a redemptive anthem for a new decade,” it is their funkiest single to date. Lyrically, it’s a helping hand of the canvas. Get up and dance, everything will be OK permeates throughout.

It’s in the vain of Blossoms’ pop masterclass ‘Your Girlfriend’, it will stomp its way into your heart like their Phil Spector inspired classic ‘Candy’. Resplendent with handclaps, horns from Rubblebucket and sumptuous backing vocals, it’s clear Ash are still masters of the alt-pop single.

Roll on Valentine’s Day and the release of a truly remarkable back catalogue.

Fred Deakin - Fred Deakin Presents The Lasters

Fred Deakin, one half of the legendary Lemon Jelly, has returned with his first solo project. Not willing to put out tried and tested Lemon Jelly-esque material, Deakin has produced ‘Fred Deakin Presents The Lasters’, a Sci-Fi concept album.

Former Ash guitarist, Charlotte Hatherley, features as the protagonist in this coming of age climate change via space thriller. Hatherley’s vocal ability to deliver a sense of the silver screen is key to its success.

The slow realisation that, her character, has the knowledge to fuel hope on ‘I Remember’ is a glorious moment of self-discovery optimism. Whereas, on ‘Goodbye Father’, she becomes defiant, a sci-fi icon in the making.

Despite Deakin’s attempts to find new creative outlets, there are moments that Lemon Jelly fans will savour. The cuteness of Hatherley’s vocals and the acoustic guitars on ‘Bringing Back to You’ recall their classic The Staunton Lick’.

Deakin’s attempts are not in vain though. On ‘Through The Veil’ and ‘The End of the World’, he finds another level. They are, at points, expert pop ballads. Sumptuous melodies and dazzling guitar craftsmanship ooze from them. It’s not just the pop classicism that lands though. Without giving spoilers away, their introduction into the narrative signifies a happy ending is nigh.

On ‘Rush’ and ‘Goodbye Father’, Deakin pays homage to Public Service Broadcasting. In particular, ‘Rush’, he finds a way to deliver the first meaningful pop song of 2020. Meanwhile, ‘Get The Message Through’ has nodes of John Martyn’s ‘Small Hours’, and no album is not better for that!

It’s been 17 years since Lemon Jelly’s ‘Lost Horizons’ was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize, surely it’s time for another nomination.