Most ‘proving myself’ albums?solo efforts by musicians perceived to have ‘lucked into’ major rock bands ?are tooth-pulling affairs. Charlotte Hatherley, the guitarist roped into Ash in 1998, bucks the trend with a vivacious pop record more indebted to The Breeders or Madder Rose than Ash’s bubblegum metal. Grey sparkles with a sassy wit?a Belly-style bouncer about having your guitar nicked by a Spanish one-night-stand is entitled “Bastardo”, while “I wanna do/Something that has merit/To it” is gurgled over a peerless hook on “Paragon”. Almost makes you fearless of an Alan White solo album.
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