Ash

There’s often a trepidation when bands of a certain vintage announce new material, with concerns over a misguided change of direction or an unimaginative regurgitation of the tried and tested old formula.

But there is nothing to fear on Islands, the seventh studio album from Britpop dukes Ash, which grafts a healthy dose of the old onto the new.

Fans of Trailer and 1977-era Ash will have their cockles warmed by the punk-infused Buzzkill, while Confessions In The Pool offers a slice of indie disco.

There are flavours of Weezer and the Arctic Monkeys, but the overall sound is unmistakably Ash out on their own, still making triumphant records.

8/10