Als Ash im Jahr 1996 mit dem nach ihrem Geburtsjahr benannten Debütalbum „1977“ auf die Bühne des britischen Indie-Rock traten, waren sie die jungen Hunde der Szene. Mit eben jenem Debüt und dem fünf Jahre später erschienenen „Free All Angels“ landeten sie gleich zwei britische Nummer-1-Alben und eine Vielzahl von Singles, die zumindest auf der Insel den Status moderner Evergreens besitzen: „Girl From Mars“ (UK-Single-Charts #11), „Goldfinger“ (#5), „Oh Yeah“ (#6), „Shining Light“ (#8), „Burn Baby Burn“ (#13)… Nun erscheint ihr neuntes Studioalbum „Ad Astra“, auf dem auch zwei Song mit Beteiligung von Blurs Graham Coxon enthalten sind („Fun People“ & der Titelsong).

Ich habe Tim Wheeler sechs deutschsprachige Songs vorgespielt, die er sich mit großem Enthusiasmus („Have you broken into my house and studied my record collection? I was expecting to enjoy this whole experience a lot less than I actually am.“) angehört hat:

What a concept; to be the judge of a bunch of bands you’ve never heard, singing in a language you’ve little to no understand of. Ok, maybe a little more than that; I’ve been using a language learning app for about two years, and learned some German for six months, but honestly nothing has really sunk in. It’s a big responsibility to publish opinions on music, especially when you don’t grasp the lyrics. As a younger man I’d not thought too much about it, probably happily dissing the work of anyone I’d come across but I think I’m older and wiser now so everyone will get a fair listen.

* Tocotronic – Die Welt kann mich nicht mehr verstehen:

My trepidation in starting this has dissolved in the first few bars of this song. With a name like Tocotronic, I was expecting a blast of synths and samplers but here I am instantly transported back to 1992. This sounds like a lot of stuff I was listening to then, going through teenage angst. I don’t know exactly what they’re singing about. Doesn’t sound like they’re happy with the world. I wouldn’t either at that age. Come to think of it I’m not at THIS age! But they’re getting it out of their system beautiful. Love the lo-fi sound of it too. Great start! Next!

* Die Ärzte – Schrei nach Liebe:

Ah! Something I know! We’ve shared stages with these guys at loads of festivals in Germany over the last 30 years. Sounds like a huge anthem that will be heard over those same stages next summer. Getting more of an 80s vibe production wise. White Wedding springs to mind sonically. Although they’re probably going more for Black Funeral judging by the video.

* Die Nerven – Frei

As I was writing the last bit, the algorithm served me up some Melvins live in concert, which has set this up perfectly. Loving the energy of this; Drive Like Jehu without the complicated time signatures. My only complaint is the brevity. I could have listened to a couple of hours of that. Handily I’m now writing about them with listening to them live at Rockpalast. Might take me a while to get to the next one!

* Pisse – Vernissage:

Have you broken into my house and studied my record collection? I was expecting to enjoy this whole experience a lot less than I actually am. It’s starting to feel like these artists were hand picked especially for me. If so thank you. I’m a sucker for synth and drums austerity and these lot have it.

* Krokodil – Grau:

I was looking forward to this one, because of the band name and it didn’t disappoint. Total madness. I kinda wish I could understand the lyrics here cos it sounds like they might have something to say. I might have to get Google translate involved once I’ve finished.

* Isolation Berlin – Kicks:

If Franz Ferdinand listened to more Joy Division they’d be making music like this. That video needs a health warning tho. I’ve not been exposed to that level of strobe light since seeing Spiritualised in 1994.

It’s been a very interesting bunch of songs you’ve sent me. I’m inspired to dive deeper into them all. I love discovering new music and this has been a fun way to do it. I hope we can play some German festivals next year with any or all of these bands! Thanks!

(Antworten: Sänger & Songschreiber Tim Wheeler)

Das neue Album von Ash, „Ad Astra“, ist am 3.10.2025 erschienen