Ash Red

Cork alt-rock band Ash Red have released their new single ‘Control’ on Blowtorch Records. The trio comprising Arthur Murray, Tadhg O’Keeffe and Isaac Walsh have created a track heavily influenced by the likes of Joy Division, The Cure and Gang of Four, however they look through the lens of these bands and create their own sound. ‘Control’ has an atmosphere which captures the listener, yet this is not a slow track but one that moves forward at pace. Dominated at various points by both bass and guitar and accompanied by a cantering drumbeat ‘Control’ aims to explore the intricacies of human emotions and relationships. The vocal is full of emotion, reflecting on the theme of the gradual realisation that a once-close connection is becoming distant. The instrumentation is at the forefront here, the atmosphere created saying so much that lyrics are not required throughout the whole song. ‘Control’ follows previous single ‘Downtown’ released last month. I’m already looking forward to hearing what comes next from this Irish trio. (Julia Mason)