Ash Review - MTVAsia

October 03, 2008Ash 'Live' At Fort Canning Park By Cheryl Leong
Our Rating: 8/10
Currently 9.00/10

SingaporeFort Canning ParkOctober 02, 2008Dark clouds loomed threateningly over Fort Canning Park on Thursday night (October 2), and people were beginning to panic. Would the weather be a dampener on the night of Ireland's finest, Ash's Singapore leg of their concert? It seemed luck was on our side, as the drizzle subsided to a close, just as local band, Fishtank wrapped up their opening act. The Irish threesome took to the stage at approximately 9.30pm, launching immediately into their particular brand of alternative rock. Evergreen crowd favorites flowed steadily, one after the another: "Girl From Mars," Goldfinger," "Wildsurf," "Angel Interceptor," "Oh Yeah" and "A Life Less Ordinary." These, among others, certainly generated the most cheers, lingering long and loud. Besides bringing forth an even mix of songs through their six albums, spanning more than a decade, fans also got a first listen to Ash's new track, "Ichiban." Yes, you don't need to be a genius to know that the track draws its inspiration from Japan, as frontman Tim Wheeler remarked. Speaking of whom, a particular track which showed off Wheeler's vocals was "Twilight of the Innocents," off the 2007 album of the same name. It is a haunting, lilting screamy rock number that depended heavily on a clear, powerful delivery. And deliver, he did. Oh, did we mention that he rocked guitars like a dream as well? Mark Hamilton was a cool spectacle as he strummed the thumping bass, at times even raising his guitar high, to the rousing cheers of the crowd. Rick McMurray, despite being mostly in the background of the stage, did not let that shadow his electrifying drums routine. Never missing a beat, he was all energy and power as he struck hard and fast to a spellbinding rhythm. The band returned with a satisfying encore of 5 songs, rounding up the night with the happy, head-banging strains of "Burn Baby Burn." Almost every member of the audience stood jumping to this final moment together with Ash.The crowd was relatively well-behaved, going by rock standards, but still an extremely appreciative one, nevertheless. After all, we had to wait for ten years just to have Ash perform 'Live' in Singapore.And after their concert last night, I'd say I'm not the only one keeping my fingers crossed that it wouldn't have to be such a long wait before we see Ash on our shores again.


http://www.mtvasia.com/Review/Event/E20081003001710.html