This Manchester outfit have been darlings of the British press for the past several years. During all this they've had their drug-issues, their (difficult) phases, breakdowns and line-up changes. They've lost direction, found it again, gone back to their roots and have again emerged with a brilliant new record. With only a trace of the Manchester sound and a generous dose of straight forward pop-punk ala Jesus and Mary Chain and The Ramones, Ash has never sounded like a British band and with the release of Free All Angels this has never been more true. Ash comes out swinging American, with a broad arsenal of tunes that recall bands such as Weezer, Get Up Kids, and Fountains of Wayne. While so many other bands are distancing themselves from the Emo-stigma, Ash seems to be embracing it. If you think you know what Emo means then you've probably got a better idea than most. In my book Free All Angels is pure Emo. Sweet rockin' ditties with plenty of big hooks and tasty harmony. You have to admire their courage--the song "Candy" is followed by the song "Cherry Bomb." Trust me it works.